This archive report was first published on 21 August 2021.
Kenya: BBI Verdict Sparks Mixed Reactions ¶
August 21, 2021
Kenyan leaders have reacted with a mix of cheers and jeers to the appellate court's decision to declare the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) unconstitutional.
ODM leader Raila Odinga, who was a key promoter of the BBI, welcomed the decision, describing it as 'remarkable' and part of the ongoing conversation about the country's future and the significance of the constitution.
"This is not the end of the conversation, and the parties involved will each make their own decisions on how to proceed from the decision that has been delivered," Odinga said in a statement.
On the other hand, Deputy President William Ruto saw the verdict as a major win for his 'Hustler Narrative' and tweeted that God had stopped the 'coalition of the known' from destroying the constitution.
"God, our heavenly Father has come through for Kenya and stopped the coalition of the known, the mighty and the powerful from destroying our constitution," Ruto said.
Other leaders, including Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Narc leader Martha Karua, also welcomed the verdict, while Attorney-General Kihara Kariuki vowed to challenge it in the Supreme Court.
