NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 14 – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Members of Parliament (MPs) from the coast have opposed the referendum drive saying it’s untimely and will increase taxes.
The leaders have accused their party leader Raila Odinga of misleading Kenyans and using referendum for his personal interests.
Led by Kilifi North MP Gideon Mungaro the Mps vowed to work with the government to address the problems facing the region.
“You’ve been told about Okoa Kenya, it’s not Okoa Kenya its Okoa Raila, stay firm and stand together so as our voices can he heard,” he said.
Mungaro said the region will form their own party and push for unity ahead of next general election.
Among the MPs included Aisha Jumwa (Kilifi County), Mustafa Iddi (Kilifi South), Zainab Chidzuga (Kwale), Suleiman Dori (Msambweni) and Khatib Mwashetani (Lungalunga).
Meanwhile, a section of leaders from Laikipia and Nyandarua Counties have also disowned referendum calls by some of the governors and opposition CORD saying it was not time to drive the country in a political mood.
The leaders said, instead the referendum crusaders must first account for the money they spent in their first term in office before demanding for more.
Led by Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Speaker Patrick Mariru and his Nyandarua Counterpart Ndegwa Wahome, the leaders observed that though the counties needed more money, the time was ill advised and hence the pro-referendum crusaders must deliver services to Kenyans and wait for the opportune time to come.
Irungu cautioned residents from the county against the calls to put their signatures in support of the referendum and instead, should shun such drives and concentrate with their day-today activities.
He said it was necessary to engage in meaningful activities instead of politicking.
On Saturday Deputy President William Ruto challenged governors to show Kenyans how they intend to utilise devolved funds to carry out development as calls for referendum intensifies.
Ruto told the county chiefs to explain how they plan to utilise tax payers’ money adding they should also be ready to answer accountability questions whenever they arise.
Governors are pushing for the referendum to triple the amount of money from the national government to counties.
Source-capitalfm.co.ke
Coast ODM MPs Oppose Referendum Push- Okoa Raila
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