ODM party leader Raila Odinga has urged Kenyans to reason together and work to have an inclusive conversation on the just released BBI report. Speaking at the Bomas of Kenya during the official launch event, Raila said the report is still a work in progress and that everyone should be included in the talk, “We want to give a better society for the coming generation,” he said.
He further noted that Kenyans shouldn’t be divided along tribal lines and that the report addresses the need for unity, “If you go to Tanzania, they don’t ask each other which tribes they come from, if you do that, they ask if you are Kenyan.” He took a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto for persisting in campaigns instead of working on fulfilling the Jubilee party agenda, “Jubilee leaders should finish their Big 4 agenda first before speaking to us about 2022. It’s like a couple who sire a child, then when he becomes stubborn one of them denies responsibility for him,” he stated, amidst cheers.
On his part, ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi said his party supports the BBI report since it has very good provisions which need to be enhanced and enacted carefully and as soon as possible.
However, he pointed out issues that the party has reservations about, including the the strength of the Senate, saying its role shouldn’t be downgraded especially when it comes to allocation of funds to Counties, “The Senate is the anchor of devolution.” He also affirmed the independence of the Judiciary, saying only the Chief Justice should appoint an Ombudsman to handle Judiciary disputes.