Stop undermining BBI, NCIC now warns politicians

President Uhuru Kenyatta after receiving the BBI report at State House. [File, Standard]

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has warned politicians against using inflammatory remarks when expressing their opinion on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

The anti-ethnic conflict agency through its chairperson Dr Samuel Kobia in a press release, has condemned some of the remarks made by politician’s on the report over the weekend.

“We are concerned that the utterances are likely to undermine national cohesion, healing, reconciliation and the gains the country has made since 2007/08 post-election violence,” he said.

This comes after Sunday’s political drama in Nyeri where rival youth from Jubilee factions Kieleweke and Tangatanga clashed ahead of Deputy President William Ruto’s visit at Giakanja AIPCA church for a fundraiser.

During the function, the BBI became a subject of discussion and the fundraiser podium turned into a political boxing ring with politicians flexing each other over the report.

Some leaders who graced the function opined that BBI is not the solution for peaceful elections and unity despite the report indicating to address the said issues.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria threw shades at President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga saying that the only solution to a peaceful and united Kenya is for the two to retire from politics.

“So Mr President as we have supported you before, as we are ready to vote for this BBI, nenda nyumbani na mganga wako, (Go home with your witchdoctor),” said Kuria.

The BBI report launched on November 27 was birthed from the historical handshake between Raila and President Uhuru.

It champions for an inclusive Kenya, but since its launch, politicians and members of the public have been divided over its implementation.

Some politicians have come out publicly to criticise the report and in some instances, its pioneers have been reviled.

And now NCIC has asked politicians to stop making remarks that will lead to further divisions in the country.

“We are appealing and warning the political class to avoid making irresponsible statements that might jeopardise peace and the fragile national cohesion fabric,” said NCIC chair Rev Kobia.

The agency has urged the public to turn a blind eye to politicians making inflammatory remarks.