Murang’a leaders on Monday led local residents in appending signatures on proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Governor Mwangi wa Iria, County woman representative, Sabina Chege and former Murang’a senator Kembi Gitura appended their signatures in separate occasions as they called on residents to embrace the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Report.
At the office of the county commissioner, Kembi accompanied by former deputy Murang’a governor Gakure Munyo signed the document with the former senator urging local residents not to be left out in the ongoing process to amend parts of the constitution.
Kembi said the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga should not be taken for granted. He said the country can only succeed if there is peace and cohesiveness among all communities.
“On my part, the proposals in the BBI report are good for the country. The report advocates for peace and unity, a very integral factor in attaining social and economic development in our country,” added Kembi.
Governor Wa Iria on his part hailed the BBI saying it will ensure counties get more funds which will spearhead development at grassroots.
He noted that since realization of devolution, development of some key projects have faced hurdles occasioned by inadequate funds.
“Now that the proposed amendment of the constitution advocates for more funds to the devolution, I will spearhead a campaign for the BBI not only in Murang’a but in Mount Kenya region,” he said when he led county government workers to append their signatures at Ihura Stadium.
With more funds, Wa Iria said devolved administration will embark in implementing projects which have impact to local residents.
“Since 2013, counties have been struggling to do much in development without adequate funds. I am optimistic that the proposed amendment of the constitution sails through so that devolution is strengthened,” he added.
He called on the interior officers to avail books released for signing saying he has structures which can ensure more than 300, 000 signatures are collected.
On her part, the county woman representative, Chege asked local leaders to work together to ensure the exercise of collecting signatures is successful.
Chege who appended her signature at Gitugi in Mathioya Sub county after meeting with women groups underscored the BBI report saying it will strengthen women in being part of government.
“Section of proposals in the report gives strength to women and as women leaders we want to urge Kenyans to read and understand the report before time for the referendum slated for next year.
Murang’a County commissioner Mohammed Barre stated that his office received 400 books for signing on Friday explaining all books have been deployed to the eight sub counties to facilitate collection of signatures.
“I want to clarify that; I have no books for appending signatures in my office. All the documents we received we have deployed them to the sub county level as chiefs and their assistants will champion the collection of signatures,” added Barre.
He stressed that the BBI is a government initiative and as officers serving the ruling government, there is nothing wrong in supporting implementation of government policy.
By Bernard Munyao
