Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to exercise sobriety and respect institutions created by the constitution.
Kalonzo’s sentiments were in reference to the recent ruling by the High Court that declared the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) constitutional change push as unconstitutional.
He also demanded full respect for the office of the President which is also a symbol of national unity.
“I would like to appeal to all Kenyans, ordinary citizens, politicians and judges to extend necessary respect to all institutions created by the Constitution. It is improper to see the institution of the presidency disrespected. The person holding the Office of the President, and the institution of the presidency must be accorded highest regard,” he said.
According to Kalonzo, as a democratic nation our values are drawn from the respect for the rule of law, separation of powers and respect of the people’s freedom, whose supremacy is protected by Article 1 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
On the BBI Bill, Kalonzo said that while he may disagree with the Court’s ruling on the BBI he must accord the Judges the respect they deserve.
“Now the High Court’s decision has stopped the BBI process. Personally I do not agree with the judgment. But I cannot vilify the judges. In the all-important role of nation building we must exercise restraint from anything that could plunge the nation into a crisis. We must all respect the institution that the judiciary is,” he said.
He added that as far as the BBI is concerned the rule of law should be upheld saying there’s a right to appeal the decision of the high court at the Court of Appeal.
He asked all Kenyans of good will to respect due process, and respect the judiciary.
“It is neither wise nor helpful to disparage the judiciary on account of the High Court Judgment. Even though some of us may disagree with various declarations made in that high voltage judgment, we can disagree without being disagreeable,” he said.
“The primary intent of BBI is to build real national bridges, not divisions. To build and sustain national ethos, values and a more cohesive society. That kind of mature democracy means that we may not always agree, but we can always respect one another, and most of all, respect of Constitution, and the institutions it has created,” he said.