The Kiharu Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro has said conducting of a referendum will only subject the country to a greater financial burden.
Speaking in Murang’a town on Tuesday while distributing cheques to women and youth groups, Nyoro noted that the country conducted the last general election barely two years ago, hence the current push for referendum before 2022 was premature.
He observed that other exercises like the recent Huduma Namba registration and the forthcoming national population census have already cost the country billions of shillings.
The MP was emphatic that calling for referendum at this time, will negatively impact on our economy, especially considering the huge debt the country was servicing.
However, Nyoro said he was not entirely opposed to the country going for referendum, but the exercise should be done at the opportune time to avoid putting Kenyans into an electioneering mood.
“I am not against the referendum as it were, but with proper reasoning, the exercise is not necessary at this time. It should be done after the next general election and after taking into consideration the input of majority of Kenyans,” said the lawmaker.
He also dismissed those pushing for creation of more executive positions saying individuals pushing for referendum are those who don’t accept outcome of elections.
“Proponents for the referendum are leaders who never accept defeat after general elections. They are proposing change of the law so as to get positions in the government,” added Nyoro who is allied to the Tanga Tanga political faction.
He noted that leaders supporting the Deputy President, William Ruto are not against referendum but were objecting the creation of more seats for election losers.
“If the referendum will bring changes to spur development in the country, we will support it but not to create more positions for few individuals,” he said.
The MP warned Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru after she claimed that the Mt. Kenya region will support opposition Chief, Raila Odinga that she should not authorized to speak for Central Kenya people.
“Waiguru should not speak on behalf of the people of central Kenya. Local residents here know whom they will support come next general election,” observed Nyoro.
Meanwhile, the legislator requested his constituents to fully participate in the forthcoming census and give accurate information, adding that counting of citizens facilitates the government in planning and distribution of resources.
By Bernard Munyao
