ODM leader Raila Odinga has termed fears that the BBI report will create an imperial presidency as ‘hogwash’ ahead of the signatures collection drive set to be launched on Thursday, “Nothing is further from the truth.” The former Prime Minister who was speaking after meeting minority and majority leaders from the Counties urged those who disagree with the document to take their grievances to the referendum playing field, “If we disagree let’s meet on the field, you can give your views and I’ll give mine.” President Kenyatta and the ODM leader are set to launch the BBI signatures collection drive tomorrow, “We want it to be done as quickly as possible so that by latest end of the week we shall have completed the exercise.”
Raila had indicated that only editorial issues will be changed in the document ahead of a possible referendum, even as different leaders call for changes to be made to sections of the report. On Monday, Deputy President William Ruto called for attention to be given to all stakeholders, saying if changes aren’t made, BBI proponents will end up with a bad Constitution, “I’m asking them respectfully, the document we have has so many gaps and is so controversial that unless you accommodate view of several stakeholders we will end up with a lose lose outcome.”