President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that Kenya was on the verge of a divisiveness that would’ve undermined the state of the country, a situation that was salvaged by the handshake. The handshake between the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga marked the start of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) discourse, which President Uhuru said afforded Kenyans an opportunity to identify practical reforms and strengthen Kenyans’ unity, “The BBI was a vehicle to have a national conversation.” He said the BBI report is a bridge to peace and a bridge to prosperity.
Speaking at the BBI signatures collection drive at the KICC on Wednesday, he said the last stage of the BBI validation is highlighted by the collection of signatures, “We recognize the process is a continuation of a democratic deliberation provided for in the Constitution.” He however, urged everyone who will take part in the exercise to observe the Covid-19 directives, noting that all directives will be adhered to by all Kenyans, leaders irrespective of social status. “Kenyans are asking for these changes so that you can enjoy them, but you cannot enjoy them if you are dead.” The Constitution Amendment Bill (2020) will be made available to Kenyans on newspapers in order to enhance informed decision making.
In what appeared to be a swipe at the DCI for reviving Post Election Violence 2007/08 cases, the President said those attempting to dig up old graves are making a mistake, affirming that he can’t let that happen. “We’ve come from far and those issues were buried already,” he said, “You don’t think before you talk and you don’t think before you act. We don’t want fights in Kenya.” He said the importance of peace is not lost to many.