Uhuru Shoots Down Referendum Question in Exclusive NTV Interview [VIDEO]

President Uhuru Kenyatta Speaking during his radio interview at State House Nairobi on April 7, 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta Speaking during his radio interview at State House Nairobi on April 7, 2020.
PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta dodged a loaded question which was posed to him by Nation Media Group Editorial Director Mutuma Mathew during an exclusive interview that was aired on Sunday, May 31, on NTV. 

Until then, the President had openly engaged in every topic that was discussed but crinched his teeth a bit when Mr. Mutuma brought up 'the IEBC question."  

“Let me ask about the IEBC, we may or may not have a referendum, do you have confidence that IEBC will…” Mutuma asked before Uhuru interrupted, shaking his head. 

“I don’t want to comment on that but I know there are people out there, especially Parliament which has the final responsibility and is looking to see which is the best way forward on that. 

Deputy President William Ruto (left) and President Uhuru Kenyatta enjoy a hearty moment during the BBI launch at the Bomas of Kenya on November 27, 2019.
President William Ruto (left) and former President Uhuru Kenyatta enjoy a hearty moment during the BBI launch at the Bomas of Kenya on November 27, 2019.
PSCU

I don’t want to give an opinion, one way or the other which will not be fair from my seat, for me to say whether it is good or bad. I don’t think it would be correct. There are a number of by-elections pending and if I was to answer that… I want to say I am neutral in that debate because there are those who are engaged in it and we’ll wait to see what the outcome shall be,” he played coy.

The IEBC has five pending by-elections to conduct, following their postponement because of the Covid-1 pandemic which makes it hard to hold rallies and polls due to physical distancing rules.

The by-elections affected are Dabaso Ward in Kilifi County, Kisumu North Ward in Kisumu County, Kahawa Wendani Ward in Kiambu County and Wundanyi/Mbale Ward in Taita Taveta.

Another by-election that is set to be affected is in Msambweni Constituency in Kwale County to elect the Member of Parliament.

Speaking about the BBI process during the interview, President Kenyatta wondered why a process that was meant to bring people together had made politicians polarise Kenyans.

“You know, we could wait for the coming General Election and wait for the normal tension. I chose no, I don’t want to go that route. I want to recognise that from 1992 when we started our multiparty politics, every election year apart from 2002 has been faced with ethnic or political challenges. I decided that I’m not going to sit and wait for the next election cycle when I already know what it shall bring, “ he explained. 

He recalled that the Jubilee Party brought unity to two communities which had fought each other during the 2007/8 post-election violence and wondered why the same unity could not be extended to other regions in the country.

“I have not reached out to other politicians to break what we have in Jubilee,” President Uhuru explained.

{"preview_thumbnail":"/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/uQcJNTV5zxM.jpg?itok=J4k5I260","video_url":"","settings":{"responsive":1,"width":"854","height":"480","autoplay":0},"settings_summary":["Embedded Video (Responsive)."]}

  • .