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Referendum done deal now after Ruto jumps into Constitutional change bandwagon


The path has seemingly been cleared for Kenya to hold a referendum to possibly change the constitution and create executive positions before the 2022 General elections.

This after the biggest opponent to the move, Deputy President William Ruto, made an about turn and welcomed the push for constitutional change.

Speaking on Saturday, the DP and a section of Mount Kenya politicians backed the calls for a referendum, but vowed to vote against it if the planned changes are meant to create a Prime Minister’s position.

“We are not scared of a referendum and we are waiting for those crusading for it to explain to Kenyans the changes they want,” said Ruto.

KEY SUPPORTERS

Ruto’s declaration comes a few days after Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, considered one of the big players to watch in the 2022 elections, also backed the calls for the referendum terming it ‘inevitable’.

“For us leaders, we should give citizens a listening ear and guidance at this moment instead of trying to suppress their voice,” Moi said.

Opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi are the other prominent leaders supporting a referendum.

Initial indications suggest the proponents of the referendum hope to have number of political seats scrapped, and new ones, including that of the Prime Minister and his two deputies, created.