Kisii becomes the eighth County Assembly to pass the BBI bill

Kisii County Governor James Ongwae addressing press outside his office after the County Assembly passed the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2020. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Kisii County Assembly is the eighth assembly to pass the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill.

Kisii joins Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, West Pokot, Kajiado and Busia counties which gave the Bill a clean bill of health as the race by its proponents to get support of at least 24 assemblies for the document to be taken to Parliament gained momentum.

The 68 MCAs unanimously voted to pass the Bill during a session chaired by Acting Speaker Amos Onderi.

“We had the opportunity to discuss the Bill after public engagement with locals. There has been a lot of misconception about the contents of the bill. We are ready to engage our people and discuss each of the clauses in the draft,” he said.

Governor James Ongwae said leaders from the region have committed to support the process which the BBI will bring forth since the recommendations already fronted will ultimately offer a solution to the problems ailing the country.

“We have taken up the task to mobilise registered voters throughout the county to help actualize the constitutional amendment in the forthcoming Referendum,” Ongwae said.

Nominated MCA Eric Janganya said constitution-making is a political process that needs the support of political leaders.

“Those opposing this process led by Deputy President William Ruto should stop misinforming the public. Let them have a stand,” the MCA said.

In February last year, Kisii hosted leaders from Nyanza being the first region to congregate and take a common stand in validation of the initial BBI report.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila received the final BBI report in Kisii in October last year.

BBI proponents hope the Bill is passed by a majority of the county assemblies and also get the National Assembly and Senate backing in order to go for the referendum scheduled for June.