This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
On July 18, 2019, a group of religious leaders from Nyeri County voiced their support for constitutional reforms through a referendum.
The leaders, representing various faiths, clarified that they would only support a referendum aimed at reducing the number of elected representatives, rather than creating more positions.
According to Venerable Joseph Gitonga, the leaders met under the auspices of the Nyeri Dialogue Reference Group and emphasized that Kenyans are overrepresented, necessitating the reduction of some positions to cut down on the country's wage bill.
"We are not against a referendum. In fact, it is the only way to reduce the number of seats in Parliament," said Venerable Gitonga.
The leaders proposed reducing the number of constituencies from the current 290 to around 162.
They also expressed no opposition to political leaders being given platforms in churches to speak about issues affecting the country and to receive donations, as long as they do not interfere with worship.
Rev. Gitonga warned that church pulpits should not be turned into platforms for divisive politics.
