Uhuru Roots for Referendum to Amend the Constitution

President Kenyatta has reiterated his call for a referendum to amend the 2010 constitution. 

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Gusii Stadium on Tuesday, Uhuru said changes must be made to the law to address issues affecting the country including lack of inclusivity and perennial violence experienced after every election.

“We spend almost two years after every election on conflicts, and that is what we want to change by ensuring inclusivity for all communities. It would, indeed, be a tragedy if, come subsequent elections, we will not have resolved this dilemma,” said Uhuru.

“Yes, the 2010 Constitution gave us some remedies but did it resolve or entrench the zero-sum game, in which the winner takes it all and the loser goes home with nothing. Are we still in the zero-sum constitutional dispensation that created conflict since the advent of multi-party politics in 1992?”

Uhuru further dismissed claims that the push for constitutional amendments through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is meant to create positions for certain leaders.

“…we should not give my suggestion the parochial interpretation of creating positions for individuals. I am only urging for a constitutional consensus that accommodates all communities in an election.”

“The question of us versus them must come to an end. As we exercise our democratic rights it must never again be at the expense of our diversity. The cardinal principle must always be our unity in diversity,” Uhuru added.

Reports indicate the BBI report will be released this week, paving the way for a national referendum.