President Uhuru has remained silent on the call for referendum which many politicians are expressing their support for this constitutional amendment.
The call which was first stated by the former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga after the handshake has received numerous support including the vice President expressing his support. Raila Odinga started this debate when he was invited in the council of Governors Conference which was held in Kakamega.
Speaking during that meeting , Raila Odinga called on the country adopting a three tier system of governance.The system wants to abolish some of the positions in the current constitution which was promulgated in 2010 and adopt a system which is deemed most suitable for the country.
President Uhuru Kenya has remained silent on this matter. Compared to his first term where the President was vocal on every issue that was in the public sphere , he has opted not to state his position to the public,
Instead the President is focusing on the Big Four Agenda and uniting the nation which was once again divided during the 2018 General Elections along Ethnic lines.
Speaking on the recent forum in Nairobi where Governor Sonko had launched a cleaning of the city initiative the President urged the politicians to cease from spreading divisive politics and support the government in carrying out its projects.
President Uhuru in the previous terms was fast to respond to issues , but this being his last term he has decided to keep it shut and focus on development.
According to many political analysts in the country this move is well familiar to Kenyans.Kibaki used the same strategy during his last term at the office to maintain his legacy. According to the analyst , Uhuru’s silence is a tip to what Kenyans should expect in the 2022 presidential elections which he is supposed to back up the Deputy President , William Ruto.
His silence on the matters of referendum according to most analyst is likely the way he will also react during the 2022 elections.
The Deputy President has joined the team of opposition leaders in calling for the constitutional reforms in the country. The DP expressed his condition that he will only support the push for a referendum if it works to the benefit of the local mwananchi.
The current wage bill and different positions created by the new constitution is a burden to most Kenyans who live for less than $1 a day.The taxes on every product and services have been hiked which is making the lives of the normal mwananchi difficult.
Different governors have also shown their interests in supporting the amendment of the Constitution. Mwangi Wa Iria of Murang’a has formed his push for a referendum on the basis of counties Sharing their natural resources.This comes after a week long battles with the governor of Nairobi Mike Sonko over Ndakaini Dam. According to Wa Iria the county of Nairobi among other counties which benefit from the water in Murang’a county should start paying annually for the water supply.
Wycliffe Oparanya has also expressed his interest to support the call for a referendum saying it will reduce the life burden which is currently imposed to the citizens.
Musalia Mudavadi has also been vocal on this issue of referendum saying is the only avenue to stabilize the country and reduce the wage bill. He has called on the citizens to express their opinions on the issue of referendum which will help in re-shaping the state. Kalonzo Musyoka the wiper leader has also echoed the same comments and shown his determination in pushing for the constitutional reform.
The debate is expected to continue gaining momentum even as the country remains eager to see which side will President Uhuru Kenyatta pick on the constitutional reforms debate,