Ruto’s proposal at Naivasha finally comes to haunt him

By Vitalis Kimutai

Agriculture Minister William Ruto has said the contentious issues that made voters reject the Wako Draft in the 2005 referendum are replicated in the Proposed Constitution.

"An imperial presidency has been retained in the draft and issues on land and devolution remain contentious as they were in 2005.That is why we insist the issues be reviewed," Mr Ruto said.

Interestingly, it was Ruto who proposed the clause on presidential power during the Naivasha retreat. Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi seconded him.

He added: "If we rejected the draft with similar issues in 2005, what will make us pass it this time around?"

The Agriculture minister said senior politicians who had since changed their stand were out to retain an all-powerful presidency hoping they will ascend to power in future and misuse the same powers.

"If we have fought and waited for 20 years for a new law, why are we in a hurry to pass one we have all agreed is flawed and which has already divided the people?" Ruto wondered.

Ruto was speaking during a fundraiser at Kitany African Inland Church in Keiyo South in the company of Assistant Minister Jackson Kiptanui and Keiyo County Council chairman Simon Chepseba.