The new push for a constitutional amendment and referendum is proving to be a tall order for President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto with their allies taking opposite sides.

DP Ruto made it clear on Wednesday that he is strongly opposed to any constitutional amendments, a stand that has been widely supported by his allies.

The president on the other and is keen on safeguarding his legacy and seeing his handshake with opposition leader Raila Odinga.

While addressing mourners at Kenneth Matiba’s funeral, the president made it clear that he was determined to stick by Raila despite strong resistance from some of his close allies who are of the opinion that the handshake and the referendum could sink DP Ruto’s 2022 bid.

The clearest indication of the President’s determination was his statement that “We will continue to walk together with Raila. Whoever has a question should ask us rather than undermine us”.

The developments have seen two opposing sides emerge in Jubilee: On Ruto’s side are youthful MPs who have taken it upon themselves ensure that the push referendum aborts while the opposing side is made of wealthy MPs, opinion leaders and influential businessmen backed by financial resources.

When asked by a local daily on his stand on the push for referendum, Jubilee Party Vice Chairman David Murathe and a longtime friend to President Kenyatta response was that “Let the people decide”.

This stand is believed to be shared across the President’s camp.

Reports that a section of influential Businessmen and MPs from the Mount Kenya region have conspired to scuttle Ruto’s 2022 bid could only create suspicion and worsen issues.