Bomet Governor Isaac Rutto has said that he is willing to end his push for a national referendum, if county revenue allocations are increased to 45 per cent of national revenues.
“What we only want is money at the counties,” Rutto said at a rally in Malaba town in Busia County on Saturday where he launched the Pesa Mashinani referendum campaign.
“Let everyone be given what belongs to them. This is between those who are selfish and those who are in need,” he added.
The Council of Governors chairman sentiments come even as National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joyce Laboso threatened action against him for his continued referendum campaign.
While addressing residents at Chebole in Sotik constituency, Laboso cautioned Rutto against the campaign saying it had dire political consequences, and was an insult to the Jubilee administration.
Parliament majority, leader Aden Duale has also threatened Governor Rutto that he could end up in jail if he did not honour Senate summons.
Rutto has however said, “All of us are equal. And we should always remain equal before the Lord and the law. No one should be treated as a second class citizen.”
He supported the referendum as a genuine quest only aiming at giving counties more money to develop sectors previously ignored by the central government.
“It is not that there is no money,” he said, “the money is there and we know where it is being hidden.”
Rutto said the campaign does not intend to portray the Jubilee government in bad light as his critics say but to improve the livelihoods of Kenyans.
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