Referendum debate splits Western Kenya

From Kenya-

 A section of Western Kenya leaders have differed over the proposed referendum to increase allocations to county governments.

Bishop Beniah Salala of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Mumias Diocese has opposed the referendum and instead argued that the allocation to counties should be increased through an Act of Parliament.

He called on MPs from both Jubilee and Cord to unite and overcome their political divide to save the country from the expenses that would be incurred in case of a referendum.

“Poverty in this country is caused by poor leadership and inequitable distribution of resources. We can avoid being in perpetual campaign mode if our leaders can increase allocations through the House. We cannot be in perpetual campaign mode all the time because it undermines our economy by scaring away investors,” said Salala.

He cautioned Kenyans against allowing politicians to hijack the constitution, which is a property of the electorate who elected them to parliament. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale accused former Prime Minister Raila Odinga of causing confusion in the real agenda of the referendum. He however, expressed support for it in order to increase allocations to counties and strengthen the Senate.

More here-

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000091997&story_title=referendum-debate-splits-western-kenya