Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has castigated the motive behind the push for a referendum by Mr.Ruto's political enemies.

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Speaking in Amalemba Catholic church in Kakamega, Khalwale said that the proponents of the referendum from the opposition side of the political divide have no genuine interests for the people.

He said the leaders are hell-bent on ensuring that the deputy president is finished politically by ensuring that he does not ascend to the presidency.

"We know those who are moving around talking about referendum have got only one agenda, and the agenda is to ensure that the deputy president William Ruto, the son of the poor does not lead the country," said Khalwale.

 He further argued that the leaders were keen on reviving their political careers through constitutional changes.

Deputy President William Ruto who was present at the meeting, however, reminded politicians that the time to carry out political campaigns was over.

He further advised them to abandon calls for referendum terming it a misplaced priority and instead focus on what will improve the lives of citizens.

"What we need to be doing is to consider our jobless youth. We also need to make sure our people get water, are connected to electricity and have got enough hospitals," DP Ruto said.

Khalwale, a former fierce critic of the deputy president, is now a bosom friend, who is in the front line defending him and he appears to be campaigning for his 2022 presidential bid.