This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
On August 17, 2019, a group of leaders from Meru County gathered in the company of Deputy President William Ruto to express their opposition to a proposed referendum.
The leaders, including Senator Mithika Linturi, argued that the Building Bridges Initiative had no legal backing and would lead to a referendum only if Parliament was coerced into owning it.
"The initiative would lead to a referendum but only if Parliament is coerced into owning it, that will be nothing but impunity," Senator Linturi said.
The leaders also expressed concerns that the proposed referendum would burden Kenyans and create positions for politicians rather than increasing resources to devolved units.
"We do not need a document that would burden Wananchi," said MP Gitonga Murugara.
However, Deputy President Ruto asked leaders to focus on discharging their mandate of serving the people rather than engaging in perpetual politics.
"It is wananchi who have the final say on this issue of the referendum for they know what fits their needs," he said.
The leaders also announced their support for William Ruto's presidency in 2022, citing his development-conscious leadership.
