Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi has asked political leaders in the county to openly declare whether they support the Building Bridges Initiative process by openly appending their signatures to the referendum bill.
Kingi, who was launching the collection of signatures at his office Tuesday, said it was important for those who support the process to do so openly, adding that those who do not support the initiative would not be coerced.
The governor said more than 35,000 registered voters had already appended their signatures to the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 in the county and hoped the exercise would be complete by close of business on Tuesday.
He said the exercise was important to the county and urged residents to append their signatures in support of the BBI, but reiterated that nobody would be forced to sign the forms.
The function was attended by Members of the National Assembly Teddy Mwambire (Ganze), Michael Kingi (Magarini), William Kamoti (Rabai) and Ken Chonga (Kilifi South).
Also at the function were Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Nominated Senator Christine Zawadi and Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu and most Members of the Kilifi County Assembly.
It was however snubbed by MPs Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Aisha Jumwa (Malindi) and Paul Katana (Kaloleni), who are believed to be allied to the Tangatanga group of politicians supporting Deputy President William Ruto’s bid for the Presidency come 2022.
Governor Kingi said the county had established structures within the county and appointed County and Ward Coordinators who would work hand in hand with Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Sub County and Ward Administrators.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Kilifi County Commissioner Kutswa Olaka said the county had received 366 booklets with 184,000 signature spaces.
He confirmed that more than 35,000 voters had already appended their signatures and urged the coordinators to speed up the process and submit the books by Tuesday evening.
By Emmanuel Masha
