Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday, clashed with Siaya Senator and Senate Minority Leader, James Orengo over ODM’s push for constitutional amendments ahead of 2022 general elections.
Ruto who is opposed to referendum calls to change the current presidential system, dismissed proponents of the constitutional changes saying “on the issue of the referendum, I don’t want to speak about it. Honourable James Orengo wants to drag me there, but not today. Let me say this, lazy people who cannot do things, those who lose elections will always want to use the Constitution as a bogeyman.”
Ruto who was speaking during opening of the Third Annual Legislative Summit in Mombasa, said any constitutional amendments must be about the people and not politicians.
“The discussion on constitutional reforms should be about the people, not a few people,” he said.
Orengo, had spoken earlier and criticised those opposed to the amendments, saying they had personalised the discussion and asked them to sober up.
“The proposed reforms are not about NASA or Jubilee. They are for the good of the country. We need to have a sober debate on issues raised about the Constitution," he said, adding that "let’s look at the message without attacking the messenger."
Orengo decried that some Jubilee leaders who are opposed to the reforms had resorted to personalised attacks against their critics, bringing confusion on what changes are being proposed.
The public clash between the two comes few days after a section of ODM lawmakers accused Ruto of using blackmail in his attempt to win the 2022 presidency, describing him as the greatest enemy of Kenya.
The two were speaking during the opening of the 3rd Annual Legislative Summit at the Pride Inn Paradise Resort, Mombasa.
The event was also graced by Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, the Chairperson of the Council of Governors, Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, Kilifi Governor Jeffah Kingi, among others.