In as much as the majority of leaders in the country are demanding that a referendum should be held soon, Deputy President William Ruto’s camp seems to be uncomfortable with the idea.
Opposition chief Raila Odinga has continued pushing for possible constitutional amendments that will create more government positions.
Besides, Raila wants regional governments introduced on top of the 47 counties. These are two issues that the DP has openly dismissed in a number of platforms.
Here is why Ruto and his allies don't want a referendum;
Suggestions to create more positions
The DP’s camp is jittery of a referendum that will great more positions because they feel any person will find a way into government through the backdoor. They also think that the DP’s ambitions to occupy the house on the hill in 2022 might be interfered with by fostering such constitutional amendments.
With the war of words between the DP and opposition chief Raila Odinga increasing daily, it is crystal clear that the two opine differently on the matter of a referendum.
On his part, the president is yet to fully openly declare his stand on the issue. This is something that is giving the DP and his confidants sleepless nights.
Suggestion to dissolve counties
As I had mentioned above, the former premier and his team want amendments that will pave way for the creation of new devolution zones. The DP has dismissed this idea saying it is part of evil plans to destroy his fertile-vote regions.
I opine that the DP’s camp doesn’t want a referendum since this issue will affect their political strategies of gaining control of the Senate and the National Assembly.
Ruto's camp is also afraid that he could be locked out of the 2022 presidential race since there are some politicians suggesting that he is part of the presidency hence not eligible to g for the highest seat in 2022.
Former Jubilee party vice-chairman David Murathe, Tongaren lawmaker Dr Eseli Simiyu among others wants amendments that will force the DP to retire with the president. This is something the DP’s camp cannot allow at all costs.
So, as the talk on referendum goes on, only time will tell on who stands where and who is positively or negatively affected.
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