Nairobi MCAs back BBI, to begin campaigning for report

Matopeni MCA Abdi Guyo address journalists at a past press conference. [File, Standard]

Nairobi Jubilee MCAs have thrown their weight behind the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report saying it will cure chaos witnessed in the capital city after every General Election.

The ward reps, led by Matopeni MCA Abdi Guyo, said the proposals in the BBI were aimed at uniting Kenyans and eradicating tribalism by creating equal opportunities for all.

“We thank President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga for giving us a vehicle that will fully unite Kenyans and we are fully behind it,” said Guyo.

The former Majority Leader further said the MCAs would be conducting grassroots campaigns across all the 85 wards to engage their constituents and sensitise them on the contents of the BBI report before the major rally hits Nairobi County.

“Various MCAs have already began holding informal meetings. We will be traversing the County in a bid to spread the BBI gospel even as we support the efforts of our counterparts at the National Government,” Guyo said.

The MCAs called on those opposed to the initiative to give dialogue a chance and also give their views on the amendments they feel should be incorporated in the report.

“Unity and peace are the most important aspects of the BBI initiative. It is not in any way meant to clear the way for some proponents in the 2022 General Election,” he added. 

Duale backing

At the same time, the leaders have called on the President as Jubilee party leader to intervene and shelve plans by a section of MPs to oust Garissa Township MP Aden Duale from his position as the National Assembly Majority Leader for allegedly opposing the BBI.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi where he was joined by MCAs largely drawn from the Muslim community, Guyo said the Garissa Town MP is a long-time supporter of a parliamentary system of governance contrary to some reports that he was against the BBI.

“Duale has been on record calling for a parliamentary system so that marginalised regions like north eastern can also get a chance to lead this country. That is the inclusivity we are talking about,” Guyo said.

This follows claims that Jubilee Party had initiated a plot to oust parliamentary leaders, including Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, from their positions due to their alleged opposition to the BBI report.