Ruto Alleges Plot to Steal Public Funds Through Contested Referendum

Deputy President William Ruto alleges that there is a plot to steal taxpayers’ funds through the impending constitutional referendum.

Speaking in Mathira, Nyeri County this weekend, Ruto accused some unnamed persons in government and the opposition of pushing for a contested referendum to create an opportunity to embezzle public funds.

Creating a “Yes and No” scenario would translate to more funds being allocated towards the referendum hence “more money will be available to steal,” Ruto claimed.

He argued that the exercise would cost less if all Kenyans agree to amend the constitution through consensus.

“We are asking those who are pushing for the referendum to stop being proud, arrogant, forceful, and pompous. We want to have a BBI conversation, which has the input of everyone, hence a common voice across Kenya,” he noted.

“We shouldn’t divide Kenyans along political ideologies. We know that there are people who are brokers, conmen, and are in the business of earning from political impasses. They are working hard to ensure the referendum has the yes and no sides. They would have, thereafter, created a conducive environment to steal State funds under the pretext that the monies went fully to the referendum.” 

“I want to tell such people: ‘shame on you, and you are useless’. Why would you want to create two opposing sides to a referendum, yet we, as Kenyans, are ready to have dialogue, be on the same page, and, as a result, use less funds to hold the referendum? We know you want a contested referendum so that you can steal our money,” he added.

There has been a disagreement between ODM leader Raila Odinga and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over the cost of the exercise.

IEBC estimates the referendum would cost at least Sh14 billion but Odinga insists the budget should not exceed Sh2 billion.