Kalonzo takes firm position on BBI report

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. [David Njaaga,Standard]

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has said his party will reject a report by the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) team if the constitutional reforms it recommends are not in the best interest of the country.

Kalonzo urged the BBI task force to speed up the writing of its report so that it is subjected to public scrutiny.

He reiterated that his party supported national cohesion hence its backing of the unity initiative between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, which gave rise to the BBI.

Kalonzo spoke during a press conference at the party's offices in Nairobi following a meeting with elders from Mount Kenya region who assured him of their support in his 2022 presidential bid.

BBI vice-chair Adams Oloo has said the team is writing a report that will be submitted before the October deadline.

Kalonzo also vowed to rally opposition to the Punguza Mizigo Bill, arguing that it had hoodwinked many members of county assemblies into believing they would be given more funds for their wards.

The Wiper leader also claimed that the Bill undermines women's representation in Government. “It is a demographic reality that we have to support a Government that includes women to partake in matters concerning this country," he said.

The 12-member BBI task force, which is chaired by Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji, has been holding meetings across the country seeking opinions from members of the public on problems they face and possible constitutional remedies.