This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
On September 13, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto's allies vowed to block a national referendum to change the constitution.
Speaking in Kilifi and Nakuru counties, the MPs said they would only rally behind a referendum if it would transform the lives of Kenyans.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, who led the group, stated, 'We will not respond to a call for reviving the political fortunes of some leaders.'
She added that Kenya's financial status would not allow it to fund the said constitutional review, citing pressing issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and security.
Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani warned that the majority of Kenyans will oppose a referendum meant to benefit a few people.
Mr Ruto said the country is not ready to be put under another supremacy battle through a referendum that would only benefit a few individuals.
He stated, 'We have a debt to Kenyans, which is making their lives better as promised in the Jubilee manifesto and the Big Four Agenda.'
Mr Ruto also launched the construction of the Sh2.3 billion Kakuyuni-Gongoni and Kakuyuni-Kilifi pipeline works in Kilifi North.
Meanwhile, in Nakuru, another group of pro-Ruto politicians accused Opposition leader Raila Odinga of blocking their access to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The leaders vowed to support Mr Ruto's 2022 presidential bid despite Mr Odinga's 'meddling' in Jubilee affairs.
