This archive report was first published on 23 December 2019.
As the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report gains momentum, it's essential for the public to remain vigilant and not let politicians hijack the process.
Launched by President Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga last month, the report has sparked intense debate, with various groups and formations raising concerns about its proposals.
One of the contentious issues is the proposed position of Prime Minister, which has been suggested to be executive in nature. This has led to speculation that there could be a deal between President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga that undergirds their truce and the subsequent 'handshake' in March last year.
However, it's crucial to note that the public has been largely absent from the discourse, with politicians taking the lead. This is a perilous path, as politicians are often driven by selfish interests rather than the public good.
It's essential for professional groups, religious organisations, organised lobbies, and the general public to engage with the document and make proposals for the common good. By doing so, they can ensure that the BBI report is not hijacked by the political elite to entrench themselves in power.
