Raila says Covid-19 will not delay BBI

ODM leader Raila Odinga says the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) process should be concluded right away since the country's coronavirus infections were slowing.

He spoke yesterday at his Capitol Hill offices, Nairobi, when he met Kajiado leaders to discuss the BBI document.

The Opposition chief said he was optimistic coronavirus would be contained soon "to give way for wider consultation" on the proposed law changes targeted at changing the structure of the executive.

He was upbeat that once the Covid-19 infection curve is flattened, it would trigger the re-opening up of the country to wider political activities.

“In the not too distant future, we are going to open up the country. They (Maa leaders) agree with me that there is need to move with speed and conclude the process of BBI," Raila said.

Those who attended the meeting included former Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye, National Police Service Commission member Ronald Musengi, Kajiado East MP Peris Tobiko, former Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Alex ole Magelo and former Kajiado County Senator Peter ole Mositet.

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The former Prime Minister was accompanied by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.

Other than BBI, Raila said their meeting also focused on the war on corruption which was now targeting theft at the counties.

"Corruption has now been devolved. These Kajiado leaders support the war on corruption to ensure devolved resources benefit the people and do not end up in the pockets of individuals," Raila said.

He assured that he and his handshake partner, President Uhuru Kenyatta, were keen to ensure every community's interests are taken care of.

"Even if it is through revenue sharing or government appointments and general development," he said.

Some of the Kajiado leaders who visited Odinga are appointees of President Kenyatta.

Mositet was recently appointed chairman of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, while Mr Magelo was appointed a member of the Kenya Leather Development Council board.

Nkedianye was on February last year appointed chairperson of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority but was relieved of his duties in March this year.

Last weekend, Raila and his allies met various political leaders in Kakamega County in what observers say signals the return of nationwide pro-BBI meetings.