Governors Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Francis Kimemia (Nyandarua), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga) and Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia). [File, Standard]
Ten governors from the Central Region Economic Block (CEREB) have strongly criticised Murang’a senator Irungu Kang’ata for writing President Uhuru Kenyatta warning him of the likelihood of the BBI being rejected in the region.
The governors accuse Kang’ata of breaching official protocol and addressing the president directly on the issue.
“It raises questions why a senior member of the government leadership in parliament would choose this cheap populist method to address this issue to HE the President whose office is just a few steps away from parliament,” read the statement.
The governors have termed Kang’ata’s allegation that the BBI is unpopular in central Kenya as “Preposterous and a misrepresentation of facts and reality”.
Even though they agree with some of the issue raised by Kanga’ta, they still feel it is “very premature to judge the Bill as it has just been published for public participation and intensive discussion at the grassroots”
According to Kanga’ta’s letter, the involvement of provincial commissioners such as chiefs has worked negatively in the region.
“Let us emphasise on the soft power and art of persuasion. In my humble view, the provincial administration in BBI process should be invisible,” Kanga’ta tells president Uhuru.
Predicting BBI failure if the strategy is not changed, Kanga’ta also recommends a multiple-choice referendum to avoid a total rejection of the amendments made by the BBI.