Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged residents of West Pokot to support the constitutional changes proposed in the Building Bridges Initiative Report. Raila, while attending a fundraiser at the Dini ya Roho church in Sook ward, West Pokot noted that the proposed changes will promote unity and resolve hiccups which have been witnessed since the passage of the 2010 constitution. “At independence, our founding fathers had a vision on how to develop Kenya. But for many years we have not achieved that vision. Our young people don’t have jobs, farmers are suffering, roads are bad, there is widespread poverty,” he said.
He told the residents of West Pokot that the proposals in the BBI Report are aimed at ending discrimination, increase devolution funds and bring equity in use of public resources. He added that the BBI process will enable the country realize the dream of the 2010 constitution by enhancing devolution and increasing representation. “What we want is to actualize the dreams of the 2010 constitution. This is why we have increased allocation to devotion to address the cries of Kenyans who say they have not seen development,” he said.
He told the residents that the proposal to create a Ward development fund will bring equitable development in Counties and address the lacking development in various parts of the country. He urged the residents to ignore leaders who will be opposing the BBI proposals noting that the process is aimed at uniting Kenyans and restoring humanity.
He lauded the founder of Dini ya Roho church Lucas Pkech who he said resisted the colonial government and fought to establish indigenous African religion. “I have come here to join you to celebrate your religion which has African roots. When Lucas Pkech started this church, he went through a lot of hurdles. He withstood the opposition from the colonial government which was hell bent on stopping the church,” he said.
West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo said that the leaders from the County had met and agreed to fully support the BBI noting that the reforms were good for devolution. “As a County leaders, we have met and engaged legal experts. We agree on the proposals to devolve 35 per cent to the County. This will mean West Pokot will get approximately Kshs 16 billion,” Lonyangapuo said.
He told the former premier that the County will rally behind BBI and ensure the reforms are passed to enable Kenyans realize unity. He noted that the 2018 handshake between him and President Uhuru also allowed the leaders from West Pokot to follow suit and put aside the differences they had. Other leaders who accompanied Raila were Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, Senate Majority leader and West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio, MPs David Pkosing (Pokot South) William Kamket (Tiaty) Samuel Moroto (Kapenguria).