Deputy President William Ruto has said leaders should shelve premature debate on referendum and focus on creating jobs while assuring his supporters in his Rift Valley backyard that there was no political falling out between him and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He said Kenyans want leaders to create jobs instead of wasting time agitating for future positions that might be created through a referendum on the Constitution.
“There is no shortage of positions in Kenya. What exists is shortage of job opportunities for Kenyans which can be addressed through implementation of the Big Four agenda,” Ruto said.
In a bid to cool rising political temperatures in the region over his fate in the re-organisation of government, Dr Ruto told the region’s residents and their leaders to focus on development as he was firmly in government.
“The President, myself and the entire Jubilee administration is solely focused on transforming the country by building infrastructure, industrial growth and creating job opportunities. We have no time for political sideshows,” said Dr Ruto.
“As a government, we will remain focused on delivering our pre-election promises and the Big Four Agenda on development. I can assure you that we will deliver on the promise,” said Dr Ruto.
He added: “Everything is OK in government; ignore the fake news; do not rely on social media and newspaper stories because we have no time for rumours and riddles that would not help us take the country forward in socio-economic development.”
On Thursday, ODM leader Raila Odinga hinted that a referendum on the Constituion will be held this year.
“This year is going to be a year of change in this country. We want to look at our governance structures and see what needs to be rectified,” he said.
Ruto said the high cost of living and unemployment will be dealt with via implementation of the Big Four agenda: housing, manufacturing, healthcare and food security.