The National Assembly Speaker, Justin Muturi has declined to comment on BBI report, saying it was yet to be tabled and passed by parliament.
Speaking in Kemera ward, Manga Sub County, Nyamira County during a funds drive in aid of Ekerubo Catholic Church, the Speaker cited larger public interest for his restraint.
According to Muturi, the report was yet to be tabled in parliament to necessitate appropriate input from the parliamentarians.
The Nyamira Senator, Okong’o Omogeni called for speedy conclusion of the on-going BBI consultative meetings countrywide to pave way for a referendum.
The Borabu MP, Ben Momanyi claimed the locals supported the BBI report with zest because it had an inclusivity agenda. He castigated the leaders who opposed the initiative.
The North Mugirango legislator, Joash Nyamoko expressed his displeasure with creation of regional governments, saying the recommendation was being pushed by some governors serving their last terms.
Meanwhile Former Prime Minister and opposition leader Raila Odinga has said in Murang’a every Kenyan has the freedom to express his interests on Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
Raila however, has noted that the final BBI report will only capture what is good and will leave all Kenyans united.
Speaking in relation to what the Narok Senator, Ledama Ole Kina said during BBI rally held in Narok on Saturday, Raila said there is democratic freedom for everyone to say what he feels but noted that only what will unite Kenyans will be considered.
“Let everybody say what he or she feels, don’t mind those with wrong intention since they are expressing their anger, that does not mean their views will be part of the final report,” stated the Opposition Chief on Monday during burial of the father of Murang’a Senator, Irungu Kang’ata.
He stressed that the BBI rallies will continue so as to give people from every region in the country to air their views.
Raila asked the leaders to ventilate the report well and exercise soberness while debating on it, saying the initiative is purported to ensure the country remains united and promotes economic growth.
He added that Mount Kenya rally will be held on March 7 in Nyeri observing that no region will be left out.
“This country was full of hatred and ethnicity and that’s why we came up with BBI so as to heal the country from divisions which were affecting our unity and economic growth,” he added.
The burial service which was held at Mumbi Catholic Church was turned into politics of BBI as leaders allied to Deputy President, William Ruto led by Senate Majority leader, Kipchumba Murkomen criticized the way BBI rallies are currently organized.
Murkomen said all leaders should be involved in the debate saying leaving out some elected leaders the country will not achieve its mandate of uniting Kenyans.
He said the BBI should focus on easing economic burden being experienced by majority of Kenyans instead of dwelling on politics of hatred and divisions.
“As we talk of uniting Kenyans, let’s focus on giving priority to issues affecting Kenyans. Once there is economic growth, the country will be peaceful and more united,” added Murkomen.
The Murang’a Governor, Mwangi wa Iria asked leaders to avoid bringing in petty politics on BBI, saying by doing so, important issues may not be captured in the final report.
Wa Iria who demanded to have a BBI rally in Mount Kenya apart from the one organized in Meru said time for politicians to use public rallies to argue their views is gone.
“This time views need to be brought on table be discussed and a decision made. The time to shout issues in public forums seeking political mileage is long gone,” observed Wa Iria.
The governor noted that since a referendum is looming, people from central region should focus on spearheading issues from the region which need to be factored in the BBI report.
By KNA Team
