DP Ruto calls for sober BBI debate

DP William Ruto with Women Rep Catherine Waruguru in Ngobit, Laikipia, yesterday. [DPPS]

Two days to the official handover of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) task force report to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga, sharp divisions have emerged.

As politicians talk about the importance of reading the document, the President’s Jubilee Party members appear jittery and reading from difference scripts.

Selfish interests

Stakes are high as leaders allied to Uhuru and Raila are reported to be planning a major rally on Wednesday at a yet-to-be-disclosed location to gauge public opinion on the report.

MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto have issued strict ultimatums before supporting the initiative pioneered by the two principals after the March 9  handshake.

While others spoke in parables, they faulted proposals to amend the Constitution saying they are being driven by selfish interests.

Ruto yesterday called for sober and respectful discourse on the report once released on Tuesday.

Speaking at a funds drive in Ngobit Ward, Laikipia County, the DP said Kenyans should have an honest and intellectual discussion on the report devoid of hatred and propaganda.

“We all want to debate the BBI report as Kenyans and find solutions to the challenges facing the country. We should focus on issues that benefit all of us,” he said.

He told off politicians issuing threats to those opposed to the report, saying every Kenyan has a right to express their opinion.

Speaking at Chamakanga Friends Church during the requiem mass for Hiram Karani, former advisor to the Central Bank of Kenya, ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi distanced himself from the raging debate, saying he cannot talk about what he was not part of.

“We made our position on the lack of inclusivity widely known. Unlike others, we will not take a position on an outcome we are unaware of,” Mr Mudavadi said.

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Senator Cleophas Malala (Kakamega) and Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi, while speaking at Esiarambe Primary School, said they already know what the report entailed and are only waiting to vote for it.

Mr Oparanya said those against the report failed to give their views when commissioners were going round counties.

“Our stand is one. Those saying they are waiting to read the BBI report to make a decision are ignorant,” he said.

Ready to vote

“Anyone talking about not knowing what BBI entails is afraid that any one of these issues may be touching on them. We are ready to vote for the report in a referendum,” said Mr Malala.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Senate Minority Leader James Orengo said the party will support recommendations by BBI.                      

“We want to stand firm with BBI, which was formed by President Kenyatta and Raila Odinga to review and reorient structure of governance in Kenya,’’ Mr Sifuna said.