BBI reggae draws closer as IEBC clears over 1 million signatures

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati at their Anniversary towers offices, Nairobi. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has cleared the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) draft bill following a successful verification exercise.

The Commission has in writing submitted a copy of the bill to all 47 County Assemblies, for debate.

IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati says the bill has been supported by at least 1.14 million registered voters, a necessary requirement to enable the bill proceed to the next stage.

“The Commission, through interim verification of data captured as of January 19, 2021, has confirmed and is satisfied that the Initiative has been supported by 1,140,845 registered voters,” Chebukati said.

County assemblies are now expected to consider the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 within three months from the date of submission.

“In conformity with Article 257(6), you are required to submit the decisions of your County Assembly to the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate within three months,” IEBC said.

The bill requires approval by at least 24 county assemblies, from where it shall be then introduced in Parliament.

If supported by a majority of the members of the National Assembly and Senate, the Bill stands passed and sent to the president for assent.

Employees of the BBI Secretariat offload boxes containing BBI signatures. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Last week, the electoral agency asked Kenyans to verify their details. Anyone who found their name enlisted erroneously was required to report to the Commission in writing and detail their complaints.

“Anyone who has been captured as a supporter without their consent can report to the Commission by writing to the Acting Commission Secretary/CEO indicating their objections.”

In December, the BBI secretariat team led by Dennis Waweru and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said once IEBC verifies the signatures, they would only be required to come up with a Yes or No question.

Junet has since dismissed calls for a multiple-question referendum.

Related Topics

IEBC BBI Bill