Kenyans will have to pay Sh.12 billion following a quest by politicians across political divide to amend the Constitution calling for a referendum.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through its chair Wafula Chebukati , said they were ready and willing to take Kenyans through a third referendum which is expected to cost taxpayers similar amount the commission used to run 2017 general election.
“As to the issue of how much, we are informed by the cost of the repeat presidential election of October, 26, 2017, which cost Sh12 billion. With a referendum being one election, the cost would be similar or thereabouts,” Chebukati stated.
But as politicians strengthen the drumbeats for referendum calls, Chebukati said he is yet to be appraised about the matter even as different proposals emerge. He added that at an opportune time, IEBC would request the National Treasury for money to fund the activity.
“So far the commission has only been notified by various promoters of their intentions to collect signatures and to draft amendment Bills. We have not yet been seized of any referendum documents,” Mr Chebukati was quoted.
Under the law, Chebukati said the promoters for referendum must collect and submit to the commission at least one million signatures and a draft Bill for the proposed amendments.
“The role of the commission staff with regard to a referendum through a popular initiative is to undertake verification should the threshold be met. The commission and staff are ready if the referendum process is called upon,” said Chebukati. However, calls for a referendum have seen a number of firebrand Jubilee party members support opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is the chief whip for constitutional change.
Gatundu South Member of Parliament Moses Kuria, is among the Jubilee party members who have since come out in dire support to have the referendum.
In September 25, Mr. Odinga told Kenyans to prepare for a referendum next year 2019, after the Building Bridges initiative is done with collecting public views and compiling a report.