Leaders from Western Kenya have said the referendum should look to lessen the burden on Kenyans instead of adding positions in government. Speaking at the Amalemba Catholic Church led by former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, they indicated that Kenyans shouldn’t be burdened further and he said they won’t support the referendum if more posts will be added. “At the moment the cost of living is high….when you look at the President’s spending on his motorcade and other tasks in a day, the costs accrued may reach Kshs 2 million. Now if you create another office of the Prime Minister, his first and second deputies, a ceremonial president and two deputies, it means you are adding to the cost of governance,” said Khalwale.
He said they’ll support the referendum but if it means posts will be added they’ll oppose, “If you look at nominated MCAs, we don’t know who they represent. Same goes to nominated Senators and nominated MPs, those posts must be done away with,” he affirmed. Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa said they will check pointers in the constitution which will reduce the load on Kenyans, “We will check which parts will lighten the load on taxpayers when removed,” he said.