The ODM leader, Raila Odinga, yesterday told off those opposing Building Bridges Initiatives in a press conference at Ciala Resort in Kisumu.
He met Western governors in the company of Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and his Devolution counterpart Eugene Wamalwa
“It is going to be a very democratic process and we welcome those who have got issues with it. Let us meet in the field and let the people of Kenya decide. And my view is that the people of Kenya will make the correct decision,” the ODM leader said.
He also added that the BBI team will start collecting signatures this week.
He rubbished the accusations that the creation of a prime minister’s post and two deputies will create a bloated government, saying,”the BBI will actually reduce the size of government as ministers will be appointed from parliament while the two deputies will come from among ministers.”
He said this two days after the annual Narc- Kenya alumni dinner at Panafric Hotel in Nairobi where the Narc- Kenya leader, Martha Karua, and the Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana urged Kenyans to be bold and stand up against BBI.
“The premese of BBI is anchored on an idea of acting to stem the electoral turmoil witnessed in each electoral cycle,” Prof. Kibwana said arguing that the handshake has never been socialised to unite Kenyans, it has remained between two people.
Teaming up with the church, DP William Ruto opposed the 2010 Constitution citing its provisions on kadhi’s courts as well as abortion and proposed land reforms, they are against the BBI for its proposals to involve political parties in the appointment of electoral commissioners; the proposed Kenya Police Council; the proposed judiciary ombudsman and whether or not the position of a Prime Minister and two deputies solves the system.
A close ally of the DP Nelson Koech the Belgut MP wondered why Raila Odinga was pushing for the BBI proposals to go through without amendments.
“What is the rush anyway? This is now our document, it will govern Kenya not Raila alone. We want a non-contested referendum that addresses issues of Kenyans,” said Nelson Koech.
As the BBI opposers opposed, faithful proposers expressed their positive opinions and are rooted in the document saying it will solve many problems Kenyans face if the proposal is passed.