Kenyans divided as BBI signature drive begins

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga will today launched the BBI signature drive at KICC but a section of Kenyans were still sceptical about the document.

Leaders allied to the President and the former Prime Minister have drummed up support for the document saying it will unite Kenyans but others have argued that it is meant to protect the interests of a few.

Kenyans from different parts of the country expressed their views on Wednesday and while some said they will participate in the signature drive, others said they are yet to go through the BBI and they cannot sign without prior knowledge of what they are subscribing for.

Kakamega

Eliud Walakhi: I will not participate in the signature drive until some changes are made. I am not fully convinced that the BBI will cushion the Juakali sector from the harsh economic times. Why should we rush?

Leonard Ogara: I will append my signature because the BBI has touched on devolution and resource allocation to counties. It is almost impossible to include everyone’s opinion.

Nakuru

Simon Sankale: This is a historic day and I fully support the BBI since it is a document that will unite Kenyans.

Kiplang’at Cheruiyot: The BBI is a fruit of the handshake. We have read the report and realized it is important for peace and stability. It promotes women and youth empowerment so largely, it is a document that will take Kenyans to the next level.

Kisumu

Gilbert: I am yet to see the document so I have not read it. They should have availed the document to Kenyans first. Also, they should have included the changes recommended by Deputy President William Ruto.

Philip Odera: We will have more than 4million signatures. We are ready. The report has been read by Raila Odinga so we shall pass it.

Meru

Ousmane: I wonder why we are rushing. The copies should have been availed to wananchi first. It seems they have a sinister motive. We have no idea the BBI will help us. The country has so many problems. We cannot eat the BBI.

The Constitution states that the draft Bill must be approved by at least 24 county assemblies before it can be introduced to Parliament.

Once submitted to the county assemblies, the draft Bill must be debated and passed within three months.

According to the law, each referendum committee shall bear its own costs during the campaign period of the referendum and the costs include payment of the agents of the respective referendum committees.

Recently, Raila hit out at IEBC saying a referendum cannot cost Sh14 billion and that the commission was using elections to rip off the country.

IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati swiftly responded to those allegations by providing a cost breakdown of recent electoral activities.

The 2010 Referendum cost Sh10 billion, the 2017 Fresh Presidential Election cost Sh11.9 billion while the 2021 Proposed Referendum is estimated to cost Sh13.7 billion.