Uhuru, Raila meet leaders in bid to garner BBI support

Senate Minority Leader James Orengo (left) with National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga will today meet MPs and senators in Naivasha to deliberate on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Yesterday, National Assembly Majority Leader Amos Kimunya said the meeting is aimed at familiarising the parliamentarians with the BBI report.

“We have a team of experts who are here to explain to the MPs the BBI process, the contents of the report and how it seeks to address areas identified as causing disunity in the country,” said Kimunya.

He added that the experts will give a breakdown of the BBI report and how it has addressed the nine-point agenda that came with the “handshake” between Uhuru and Raila two years ago.

The meeting comes at a time the Senate and the National Assembly are in disagreement over the report. Some senators feel proposals in the report have clipped the senate’s powers.

Kimunya said the meeting will not delve into issues raised by those opposed to the adoption of the report in its current form.

“There are people who want some issues added or removed from the report, but this shall not be part of our discussion,” he said.

He insisted that the focus now lies in trying to find a way to address challenges that have come up after a court nullified some 23 laws passed by Parliament. 

“Some of these laws are key for a referendum to take place. We are committed to ensure that the laws are validated,” said Kimunya.

Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio said the meeting will ensure that those opposed to the BBI report are convinced to back it.

“We shall find a way to deal with leaders who are disgruntled with some of the proposals and reach a consensus on the document as it is,” said Phoghisio.

Enemies of the process

Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny took issue with Deputy President William Ruto’s allies for ignoring the BBI committee when it was collecting views. 

“Concerns from people who ignored the BBI team when it was collecting views should not hold us back,” said Kutuny.

Amani National Congress Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi said those calling for the BBI report to be amended had dismissed the entire process in its initial stages.

“They avoided the collection of views and termed it a waste of time and funds,” said Osotsi.

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang'ula called on those opposed to the fine-tuning of the report to change their stand since “no law is cast in stone”.

“If there is no room for changing the document, why then are we here in Naivasha spending public resources? We need to be honest. If we can’t change it, why then not embark on implementing the document as it is,” said Wetang'ula.

On the issue of creating an additional 70 parliamentary seats, Wetang'ula noted that the matter must be discussed widely especially on how the seats will be distributed.

“How do we devolve more resources to the counties and then weaken the oversight structure? We need strong mechanisms; strengthen ward reps and the Senate to ensure county resources are protected,” he said.

He noted that the criteria of distributing the 70 parliamentary seats was a matter of great concern that needs consultations.

“We should also discuss whether we need an expanded Senate as opposed to a strong Senate. Anything that expands the wage bill should be handled carefully,” Wetang'ula said.

Migori Woman Representative Pamela Odhiambo said the BBI should not be about using force to introduce changes in the government structure.

“BBI is not about coercion. It is about bringing leaders together. We want to see these changes achieved through deep consultations,” said Odhiambo.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' said the document should be fine-tuned and consensus created before subjecting it to a referendum.