BBI politics took centre stage at the funeral of the late Mzee Jack Musebe Murumba in Khaoya, Webuye East constituency as Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama and Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati differed over the report. MP Wanyama said the report won’t be a success if it doesn’t reflect the issues affecting the common mwananchi. Speaking to residents, he said he will mobilize MPs to shoot down the report if it’s not issue based, adding that Kenyans should be allowed to read it and make informed decisions.
He faulted politicians among them ODM leader Rails Odinga for intending to change the Constitution every time an election is lost, and stated this time they won’t allow the ODM leader to mislead anyone. On the timing of the report’s release, he said the Coronavirus pandemic and its effects mean it wasn’t the right moment to release it and the funds used in the release and the whole BBI process should be channelled elsewhere.
However, Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati said Constitutions are amended during times of crisis, noting that the Constitution was last amended and promulgated in 2010 due to post election violence. He said this is another opportunity to make changes to the Constitution to deal with lingering problems of disagreements and violence after elections, removing the winner takes all stance.
The Governor said he will be on the forefront to drum up support for the BBI report as it will enable Counties to get more funds for development. He revealed that he intends to hold meetings with various stakeholders in the society, including boda boda representatives, former councillors, small business owners and many others to shore up any differences over the report and fully support it.
