BBI document the best we have for now, says Gideon

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi (centre) with Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku (left) and Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchori at Kajiado Referral Hospital, where the senator commissioned the blood transfusion room yesterday. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi has urged Kenyans to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report, saying there has never been a perfect document.

Speaking during a press conference in Kajiado County yesterday after touring development projects, Gideon said only the holy Bible and the Quran could be said to be perfect.

The senator was accompanied by his Nairobi counterpart Johnson Sakaja, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku, Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat, and several other leaders.

He urged Kenyans to read the BBI report first. "There has never been a perfect document in the world. It's only the Bible and the Quran that we can say are perfect. All the other documents can be amended," said Gideon. 

He added that the BBI document was the best that Kenyans had for now, and asked that the rest be left for the coming generations to amend some parts that may seem contentious.

Gideon said the pastoralist community in Kajiado County had raised issues of concern, which were passed over to the BBI task-force and were being addressed.

"Let all Kenyans, including the youths, have a chance to read this document. The youths will have about 30 per cent of tenders to uplift their lives. That's why we are saying the document is the best for all people," said Gideon.

The sentiments were also supported by Mr Lenku, who urged Kenyans not to reject the document. "I want to urge all Kenyans not to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Let the BBI go through," said Lenku.

He added that the disbursement of more funds to the grassroots, expansion of the Executive and the fight against corruption were adequate reasons to support the initiative.

Mr Sakaja said Kenyans stood a better opportunity to be united through the BBI. "Some of the issues that have been dividing Kenyans are being addressed in this document. Let's embrace it by supporting it," said the Nairobi Senator.

Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchori said those who opposed the 2010 Constitution were the ones who benefitted from it, but were still opposing its review.

"Let's be sincere. Kenyans are no longer foolish," said Mr Kanchori.

He said BBI would strengthen the Judiciary and other government institutions.