Why President Ruto Wants Referendum

The dialogue team co-chaired by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka have agreed to discuss 5 broad thematic areas.

According to the National Dialogue Committee, the team will discuss outstanding Constitutional matters, electoral justice, entrenching funds into the Constitution, entrenching the office of Prime Cabinet Secretary and the official office of the opposition in the constitution, fidelity to political parties.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has weighed on the matters to be discussed by the dialogue team and stated that the issues to be discussed are not new in Kenyan history.

He stated that the issues raised by both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio and the resolution to their grievances can be found in past reports that gave recommendations on tackling perennial issues arising after every election cycle.

He went ahead and asserted that some of the issues raised by both teams require a Constitutional moment that will culminate in a referendum. He asserted that President Ruto prefers a Constitutional Review that should be initiated through the Parliament.

Dan Maanzo further alluded that the issues raised by the ruling party and the opposition cannot be resolved through a Constitutional Review by parliament. He said that the issues can only be resolved through a Referendum that may see the country sliding back to the BBI moments of 2021.

Ruto appears to be looking for constitutional reforms through parliament and that is where the danger is because some of the items of discussion can only be implemented through a Referendum. We may end up the BBI way,” said Senator Dan Maanzo.