Embu leaders call for structured all-inclusive dialogue in referendum calls

A section of leaders from Embu County have backed calls for a referendum on amending the Constitution but called for a structured, all-inclusive dialogue.

Led by Embu Senator Njeru Ndwiga, the leaders said the changes should be structured to enhance efficiency in service delivery in the public sector and a reduction in expenditure.

Ndwiga lamented that a majority of revenue collected by the Government is being spent on the ballooning wage bill. He further said the high cost of living occasioned by inflation was a result of ineffectiveness by public institutions.

“Kenya has become a consuming country and doesn’t produce as much as it should. It’s almost going bankrupt,” Ndwiga said.

Businessman Kithinji Kiragu echoed the senator’s sentiments adding that the process should not be used to create jobs for individuals but should rather strengthen key institutions and principles of public service to improve the lives of Kenyans.

Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire cautioned individuals keen at eroding the gains of the constitution and called for wider consultations with members of the public.

“We want an all-inclusive process if we have to go the referendum route. We are not ready to lose the gains we have made as women under the new constitution” she said.

Manyatta MP John Muchiri and his Mbeere South counterpart Geoffrey Kingangi called for strict checks on Government institutions and County Governments to end misuse of funds.