The decision by Deputy President William Ruto to drop his hard stance on constitutional amendments has brought mixed reactions among Gusii leaders.
Steve Arika, a Kisii county based Jubilee politician lauded DP Ruto’s decision to support the referendum.
“Ruto made a good decision several people never thought he can make. Those opposed to the constitutional amendments should now join Raila’s camp to push for the referendum,” said Arika in Kisii town on Monday.
Racheal Otundo, who unsuccessfully contested for the Nyaribari Chache parliamentary post, commended Ruto for the bold step he made.
"Ruto will no longer be seen as an enemy after he supported the referendum calls. Politicians must focus on sensitizing Kenyans on the need to hold a referendum,” she noted.
Ex-Bonchari MP Protus Kebati noted that; DP Ruto realized if he could oppose the referendum could be alone.
“Mr. Ruto could be alone opposing the referendum because a section of Jubilee MPs had joined Raila’s camp. Let the date be set for Kenyans to go into a referendum to change the constitution before 2022,” he said.
Kitutu Chache North MP Jimmy Angwenyi also pointed out that DP Ruto’s presidential ambition in 2022 will sail through because he made a decision which left his opponents in shock.