Gideon takes charge of BBI signatures collection drive

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (center) hands over BBI documents to former minister Julius Sunkuli (right) during BBI sensitisation and collection of signature rally at Kilgoris Town in Narok County on November 26, 2020.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has begun campaigns to popularise the proposed changes to the 2010 Constitution, saying they would enrich the supreme law.

Speaking in Kilgoris town in Narok County, where he launched Kanu's countrywide sensitisation of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill yesterday, Gideon said his party and its supporters were ready to tour the whole country collecting the signatures required to change the Constitution.

Gideon launched a collection of signatures in the county and said the plan to amend the Constitution was unstoppable. He urged residents of Narok to support the process.

The Kanu chairman said he would tour all counties to popularise the proposed changes and related plans.

Team at event

The senator was accompanied by Tiaty MP William Kamket, Kajiado Central's Elijah Memusi, Kanu National Women Congress chair Elizabeth Kimkung and former Internal Security Minister Julius Sunkuli.

Also present at the event were Chitago Borabu Ward Rep Andrew Kimonge, Lolgorian's Michael ole Seme and Nominated MCA Anne Potishoi.

Gideon is scheduled to take the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) campaigns to Migori County today.

“We are not throwing away the 2010 Constitution. We are only amending it, just enriching the document. Each generation will come say this is how we want to live and be governed and amend the Constitution to suit their needs,” said Gideon.

Gideon's tour of Narok County came a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga launched the process of collecting signatures in Nairobi.

Gideon yesterday said the journey to constitutional changes was meant to unite Kenyans.

He urged residents to read the document and see the benefits they stood to get from it. The youth, he noted, are some of the main beneficiaries of the suggested amendments.

“Read the document and you will see there are lots of benefits for everyone. Read and you will realise you are better off with the amendments,” Gideon said.

Mr Memusi termed those opposing the proposed changes Kenyans' enemies. "The DP has realised that all Kenyans are in support of the amendments to the 2010 Constitution and that is why he is opposing the proposed changes," he said.

He added: “In eight years, one man has been spending more than the entire government. What if he becomes president?"

Memusi urged pastoralist communities to support the process, noting the issues they raised had been addressed.

"Narok and Kajiado counties will each have three new parliamentary seats once the BBI changes have been approved through the referendum, which is an advantage to our people," he said.

He added: “BBI addresses concerns of youths by creating job opportunities by enabling the growth of industries in all counties. This means we do not have to import basic items such as razor blades, matchsticks and even some food items we see in our supermarkets".

Mr Kamket said: "The Tangatanga group was banking on the various groups that raised concerns over some clauses of BBI document. They now have nothing to say since those concerns have been addressed."

Mr Sunkuli said Kanu would soon open an office in Narok as it gears up for the next polls.