Baringo Senator Gideon (second right) and other leaders join Pokot traditional dancers at Psiywo in West Pokot County during a funds drive. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has urged political leaders to delink Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) process from 2022 election politics.

Gideon also said his party and supporters will market ideals of the BBI countrywide and that Kanu will declare its political interest after BBI is passed.

He led a high-powered Kanu team to West Pokot County for a funds drive at Psiwo Primary School grounds in Ortum to support 43 women groups.

BBI politics took centre stage as the leaders criticised United Democratic Alliance (UDA) that they said was out to mislead Kenyans with wheelbarrow politics.  

The Kanu chairman faulted some political parties for putting the country on an election campaign mood over 2022 presidential election politics yet it is still too early.

“In 2022 politics, we as a party, are putting our trust in God and when it reaches that time and the common mwananchi asks me to go for the top seat, I will listen to them. If they tell me I am not fit, I will go back to Mogotio and weed sisal. And if Kenyans will also tell my brother (William) Ruto he is not fit, he should accept to go back to Sugoi and sell chicken,” he said.

Gideon congratulated all the county assemblies that passed the BBI Bill, adding that he will support its passage in Senate.

An elder helps Kanu chairman Gideon Moi wear traditional attire known in Garissa. [Standard]

Revenue increase

He added that once the BBI Bill sails through, counties will get an increase of national revenue disbursements at 35 per cent which will bring development to the grassroots.

He said Baringo residents will vote yes for BBI despite a section of MCAs having voted against the BBI.

Tiaty MP William Kamket lauded the senator for uniting the country.

“My brother has united with President Uhuru Kenyatta in Mt Kenya, Senator Moses Wetang’ula and Musalia Mudavadi in Western region, in Eastern region he has Kalonzo Musyoka, in Coast Governor Hassan Joho among others who can enable him clinch the top seat,” he said.

MPs Aden Keynan and Mohamed Hire from North Eastern region, Baringo Woman Representative Gladwel Tungo, Chief Administrative Secretary for Sports and Culture Simon Kachapin, West Pokot County Assembly Speaker Catherine Mukenyang among others also drummed up support for BBI.

Speaking earlier in Garissa, Gideon urged the pastoral community that they cannot afford to be in the opposition since they need the government for their social security.

The senator, who was presiding a fund drive for Madrasa in Fafi constituency at a Garissa hotel, asked MCAs to mobilise the masses to endorse the BBI.

“Pastoralists cannot afford to be outside government because it’s time we support the government for our own betterment,” he said.

Local political leaders affirmed their support for Kanu chairman as well the constitutional amendment, saying they will rally locals to vote for BBI Bill in referendum.

Senate Majority Leader and West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio said BBI had captured the needs of pastoralists and urged locals to support the initiative.

Governor Ali Korane said despite their support for BBI, they will continue to ask for extra constituency in Ijara.

The leaders rallied behind Abdul Haji who has been fronted by the family of the late Yusuf Haji to vie to Senate seat.