Referendum politics

By Daniel Mwendo

Referendum politics played a centre stage yesterday at a fund-raising function held at Ikanga Catholic Church, Ikanga division, Mutomo district, Kitui South constituency. Former Vice-President, Stephen Kalonzo expressed his confidence that enough signatures will be gathered very soon to push for a referendum which will make the government to release forty percent (40 %) of the national gross product to the counties for faster development.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the members of county assembly and parliament present with an exception of the local member of parliament, Dr Rachael Kaki Nyamai who despite assuring those present that she supports devolution, said that governors must first be accountable and not spend the money given on luxuries instead of projects which can help empower the community at the grassroot before they can ask for a higher amount. She also informed those present that the government had given thirty four percent (34%) and not fifteen percent (15%) as being alleged.

The local Member of Parliament assured those present that she is for the unity of leaders and that she has good working relationship with other members of parliament. 

The former vice- president said that the percentage to be given out by the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) should be anchored on the constitution rather than being left at the whim of the prevailing government.

The former vice-president expressed his “shock at the deplorable state” of the Kitui –Kibwezi road and said that the current government should ensure that that road is tarmaced for faster development of the area.

However, community members have mixed feelings about the debate. A local resident, Kioko Musembi, said that the referendum debate was a waste of time and a  burden to the  overburdened taxpayers and said that the governors should first work with what they have been given before asking for more.