Leaders flock to Kakamega for BBI rally [photos]

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna at the BBI rally.

Politicians are attending the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally at the Kakamega Stadium.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kitui's Charity Ngilu, Opposition leader Raila Odinga and nominated MP Maina Kamanda in Kakamega.

Speaker after speaker said they support the BBI report, urging all leaders to come on board.

Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala said the meeting is an indication that contrary to common belief, leaders from Western are united and will together support BBI.

Budlalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala urged the Luhya bloc to trust its leaders.

Amani leader Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula arrive in Kakamega.

Busia Woman Rep Florence Mutua said supporting BBI would mean more jobs for the youth and that tribalism would be a thing of the past.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru with Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga.

Mutua further criticised those against the expansion of the executive, saying if adding a few slots would end post-poll violence, then it was a worthy sacrifice.

In a resolution read by Vihiga Governor Wilber Otichilo, the leaders who said they support BBI want the executive expanded to provide for a powerful Prime Minister slot with two deputies.

They also want functions of the President and PM be spelt out distinctively.

Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

"We want an expanded executive with powerful Prime Minister and two deputies," said Otichilo.

Western leaders differed over today's BBI meeting, with those allied to Deputy President William Ruto, ANC chief Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya's Moses Wetang'ula terming it political.

Some claimed the meeting was to be used to endorse host Governor Wycliffe Oparanya as the community’s spokesperson.

When he stood to speak, nominated MP Maina Kamanda drummed up support for BBI and Raila's leadership, calling him a wise leader.

He urged the Luhya leaders, calling Atwoli and Musalia, to hold the bloc together.