This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 27, 2019, the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) grand launch took place at the Bomas of Kenya, with over 5,000 delegates from each of the 47 counties in attendance.
However, the event was marred by controversy when Deputy President William Ruto spoke before former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, sparking a breach of protocol claim from Ruto's allies.
Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, a key figure in the Tanga Tanga faction, argued that it was not in order for the second in command to be the third last speaker in the national event.
"Where did you ever find a situation whereby the deputy president invites 'raia' kama Khalwale' (A common citizen like Khalwale) to speak after him? Former PM ni raia (The former prime minister is a common citizen)," Khalwale said in an interview with K24 TV.
According to Khalwale, the BBI launch at Bomas of Kenya was an example of impunity, where the former prime minister was treated as a common citizen.
President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the report in an event attended by over 5,000 delegates from each of the 47 counties.
Only a few leaders from Ruto's camp were given a chance to address the delegates, including Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen, who was heckled for veering off topic.
