Former Machakos Senator, Johnstone Muthama, has called out President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, to declare their interest in the proposed changes to the constitution.
Speaking at a funeral in Tala, Machakos County on Saturday, the outspoken politician claimed it was clear both President Kenyatta and Odinga had vested interests in the proposed amendment to the law which creates the position of a powerful Prime Minister and a ceremonial President.
" I dare you(Raila and Uhuru) to declare your interest in the proposed changes to the constitution, " he challenged.
Muthama warned that any effort to amend the constitution aimed at creating positions for few individuals through a referendum will be an exercise in futility, saying such a move will not solve ethnic polarisation in the country.
“I can say here without fear of contradiction that what Uhuru and Raila are pushing for is aimed at creating positions of Prime Minister and President for none other than themselves and if that is the route they want to take this country, I am telling them that it will not be fair to Kenyans,” said Muthama.
The former senator opined that inclusivity for all communities in government would not be realised through creating few political positions for individuals representing the country’s biggest ethnic communities.
“If they want political stability in the country arising from inclusion in government, let them create 45 positions to ensure all communities enjoy representation in government. I will carefully gauge the proposed law and I will be proud to make history as having rejected an amendment to the Constitution which was of no help to Kenyans,” he advised.
Muthama went on to allege that Tangatanga and Kieleweke factions emerged from within the ruling party due to the persistent calls for the constitutional amendment.
“The country is now split down the middle with Tangatanga and Kieleweke factions emerging. Kenyans have linked Tangatanga to Deputy President William Ruto while Kieleweke has been associated with Uhuru and Raila and as Kenyans, we are saying we do not want to witness such divisions,” Muthama remarked.