Push for Referendum is Unstoppable, Raila Declares

Opposition chief Raila Odinga has maintained he will continue with his push for amendments to the Constitution despite resistance from his newfound, ally President Kenyatta.

Speaking during Iftar dinner organized by Governor Hassan Joho in Mombasa, Odinga said the proposed changes into the Constitution will ensure equity and regional balance in the governance of the country.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader has proposed creation of a three-tier system of government, among other changes.

However, President Kenyatta has continued to pour cold water on Odinga's calls for referendum, stating the focus now is on delivering his big four agenda for the country namely; universal healthcare, manufacturing, food security and affordable housing.

Speaking at the function, Odinga said the push for constitutional review is unstoppable, insisting that its aim is to form an all-inclusive Kenya.

“You saw the team was gazetted and has started working. It is the committee which will bring forward recommendations that we will implement. If the team says we need to amend the Constitution, we will do so and no one will stop us,” said Odinga.

“We want to form a nation that will include everyone. A Kenya that will allow anyone to contest for the top seat and be elected. We want a situation where even a person from El Molo can get an equal chance of contesting for the seat and be elected,” he said.

“We will tell Kenyans openly that which we want to put forward for the betterment of this country and that is when we will involve you and help us in ensuring that we take this country where our fathers wanted it to be,” he said.