Ruto says Railas referendum push is a bogeyman affair

Deputy President William Ruto has said any changes to the Constitution must benefit the people and further their interests.

He said any discussion on a possible referendum should not be aimed at creating other governance structures.

“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,” the DP said.

Also Read: Uhuru opposes Raila’s call for referendum

Mr. Ruto and Senate Minority Leader James Orengo were seated together in Mombasa during the third annual Devolution Legislative Summit on Tuesday.

There have been calls, led by the National Super Alliance (NASA), for constitutional changes to introduce among other things, a third tier of government.

“We must ensure that the focus is on the people and how best to realise tangible development. Leaders must know that the country and the constitution are not about us, but about the people and service delivery,” the DP reiterated.

On devolution, Mr. Ruto told the county assembly forum to make laws that will foster development and realisation of the Big Four agenda.

“Let us write law for the people, for their advancement. The laws that are passed at the counties are either going to breathe life into the agenda or drag it from its course.”

He urged the Senate and National Assembly to formulate laws that will ensure all representatives are treated equally.

MCAs are pushing for a kitty similar to the constituency development fund controlled by National Assembly members..

They argue that the ward development fund will enable them serve their constituents at the grassroots and ensure that devolved functions are translated to service delivery.

“Once an agreement between the two legislatures is fashioned, we will do our part as the Executive,” the DP noted.