Change of tune as FORD-Kenya leader Wetangula now backs referendum calls

FORD-Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula has now voiced his support for a constitutional amendment saying it is important so as to change the country’s political system.

This comes two months after he had opposed the calls for a referendum saying it will only create more positions for a selct few individuals.

Speaking at Terem Primary School and Butonge High School grounds in Bungoma County on October 13, 2018, Wetangula and a host of Western Kenya leaders had dismissed the referendum calls saying it was only meant for the “self-resurrection of some leaders”.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principal on Monday however termed as misplaced and misguided, reasons advanced by those opposed to the clamour for constitutional amendments.

Mr. Wetangula said the current presidential system of government is restrictive and fuels cut-throat competition for State House occupancy.

“Those people who are crying foul about having the office of a Prime Minister, or a Deputy Prime Minister are people who are just whistling in the dark. This is inevitable… it is coming… and it will happen,” said the Bungoma Senator.

“This country must go back to a parliamentary system or a mixed system where we do not have this ‘winner takes it all’ restrictive structure that has nearly torn our country apart.”

Those opposed to talk of a referendum, however, argue that expanding the executive is a ploy to reward a few political bigwigs.