Isaac Ruto Supports Calls for Referendum

Former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto on Tuesday supported calls for a referendum to look into strengthening devolution and instituting electoral reforms.

The former National Super Alliance (NASA) co-principal, however, stated that the referendum should not be done before 2021 to allow the Jubilee administration time to deliver on its manifesto.

Speaking on a television interview, he explained that it would be imprudent to rush back into politicking but maintained that fundamental Constitutional changes were necessary to move the country forward.

"I am in agreement with the referendum, but not right now. The first three years we should give the incumbents an opportunity to deliver such as President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big 4 agenda and his legacy.

"The most important thing in Kenya is we need to reduce politicking. The last year we can rush," he stated.

[caption caption="Raila Odinga with Isaac Ruto "][/caption]

Ruto noted that a referendum could be divisive, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure no violence is witnessed as was the case in the electioneering period last year.

While NASA leader Raila Odinga has proposed changes to the constitution including a parliamentary system, President Kenyatta affirmed that he had no time to campaign for a referendum as his focus was on the Big 4 agenda.

Ruto, the Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader, affirmed that he had no regrets on the 2017 General Election, maintaining that he held the same beliefs then as he does now.

He dismissed attacks on Deputy President William Ruto by a section of opposition lawmakers terming them unproductive.

"If it is just some verbal exchanges, nothing stops people from expressing their opinion...Where does it lead to? We don't want a situation where we are on our tenterhooks all the time," he asserted.

[caption caption="Isaac Ruto welcoming President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto to Bomet last year"][/caption]

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