NGILU CASTIGATE RUTO OVER REFERENDUM STANCE

BY REPORTER

Kitui governor Charity Ngilu has accused the Deputy President William Ruto of insincerity in his seemingly relaxed move towards the ongoing calls for constitutional amendment, saying that as one of those who were strongly opposed to the 2010 constitution the DP ought to be in the forefront in seeking a referendum.

The deputy president yesterday made an about turn on his resistance over the ongoing debate on referendum, claiming that he was ready once all the issues being proposed are harmonized and aligned to the interests of Kenyans.

Speaking during a burial ceremony at Kyome in Migwani Sub County, Governor Ngilu said that the time ripe for the contentious clauses in the constitution to be changed in order to ensure maximum benefits for all Kenyans.

“Kenyans from across the nation are going through unbearable living standards and abject poverty, hence it’s time to change the constitution and ensure that they benefit fully from the document governing the country. In this, those who were opposed to the constitution 2010 ought to be on the forefront starting with the Deputy President William Ruto,” pointed ought governor Ngilu.

Madam Ngilu said that the opponents of the 2010 constitution should in the fore front in pushing for a referendum to change the sections which made them oppose the document.

She said that calls for a referendum ought to be hastened in order to ensure by end of this Kenyans go on a referendum and choose whether to amend the constitution, instead of dwelling on the matter for far too long.

“We need the referendum as soon as now, efforts should be made in order to ensure that by end of this year Kenyans go for a referendum and change the section in the constitution which are unpalatable to them,” added the Kitui governor.

Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna who also spoke on the issue said that currently the government ought to concentrate more on service delivery, but in case Kenyans are eyeing for a referendum the amendments on the currently constitution should not be meant to impress the political class but for the benefit of common ‘mwananchi’.

“All what Kenyans are looking for is development. In case a times comes for the constitution to be amended through a referendum, the changes should be made to better lives of poor Kenyans who are currently strungling with life,” said Mr Nguna.

Mr Nguna said that he was worried on how passionately the political class has taken the debate over constitutional amendment, claiming that it was clear that some were looking for a way to change the constitution for personal gains.