This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
On November 30, 2019, the differences between politicians allied to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, and those supporting Deputy President William Ruto over the Building Bridges Initiative report played out openly during two separate public events.
At the two functions, one in Kirinyaga and the other in Narok, the opposing sides clashed openly, with leaders allied to the President and Mr Odinga pushing for the report to be subjected to a referendum while Dr Ruto's camp maintained it should be taken to Parliament for debate and adoption or rejection.
Deputy President William Ruto appeared to take a middle ground, stating that the report should be subjected to a referendum, but only 'if necessary.'
Addressing Ewaso Ng'iro residents, Dr Ruto said: 'And, if necessary, the people will implement the sections of the report through a referendum if there is a need for such a move … let us not threaten one another.'
However, in Kirinyaga County, at a fundraiser at Gathuthini Secondary School presided over by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga's allies called for a referendum.
Some 11 principal secretaries, all eight regional commissioners, and about 15 parastatal heads were present, along with seven pro-handshake governors, half a dozen senators, and close to 20 members of Parliament.
ODM leader Raila Odinga has been categorical that the BBI report should not be taken to Parliament.
However, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria said the report should be tabled in Parliament.
Legislators Kimani Ngunjiri and Ken Aramat expressed similar sentiments, stating that it was not necessary to subject the report to a costly and divisive referendum.
