This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's warning to MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto has yielded results, with the lawmakers softening their stance on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
Just days after the President's angry outburst in which he accused the MPs of undermining the unity of the country by attacking the BBI, the lawmakers have made a strategic change of tact.
Initially opposed to the idea of subjecting the BBI through a referendum, the MPs have now softened their stand and made it clear that they are willing to go that route.
During a tour of Nyandarua and Tharaka Nithi on Saturday, the lawmakers, who were accompanied by DP Ruto, made the u-turn, saying they are willing to do whatever Kenyans want them to do, including increasing elective seats, reducing the burden, or a referendum.
“Whichever route will be taken, including a referendum as long as issues affecting Kenyans are addressed,” said Kithure Kindiki on Saturday.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen added, “We will do whatever Kenyans want us to do, be it increasing elective seats, reducing the burden or a referendum, we will do it as long as Kenyans want it.”
DP Ruto maintained that Kenyans are now well informed and will make the right choices, while Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria appeared to respond to President Kenyatta’s outburst, stating that the answer to their complains is not anger.
