This archive report was first published on 10 January 2020.
Kenya: Raila Starts Bbi Campaigns in Kisii ¶
January 10, 2020
ODM leader Raila Odinga has launched the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) consultations in Kisii County, marking the start of a nationwide campaign to amend the Constitution.
The meeting, which is the first of its kind, brings together delegates from the country's eight regions to discuss and recommend changes to the BBI proposals.
At least 500 people from each region will meet to discuss the recommendations, with their final draft to be taken to Kenyans to decide on the future of the report.
Today's meeting in Kisii is expected to be attended by at least 3,000 delegates, with similar events to take place in other parts of the country.
Deputy President William Ruto's allies have expressed concerns over the meetings, alleging a hidden agenda.
Former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale has accused President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga of having a hidden card on the BBI ahead of the 2022 polls.
"They brought us BBI One and we found it acceptable, but then out of the blue, they decided to call for BBI Two... given the behaviour of the owners of the BBI, Uhuru and Raila, we put on hold any debate as to when we can have a referendum," he said.
The six governors from Nyanza, including James Ongwae (Kisii), Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Okoth Obado (Migori), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), and John Nyagarama (Nyamira), are expected to attend the meeting.
Mr Ongwae, the host, has assured that the meeting will be apolitical and open to all leaders.
Politicians from Kisumu County, led by Governor Nyong'o, and Homa Bay, led by Governor Awiti, have vowed to push for a system of governance that will replace the 'winner-takes-all' arrangement.
"We support the referendum as the only means of effecting the various recommendations touching on the Constitution, particularly the governance structure to address the winner-takes-all phenomenon which is responsible for the ills afflicting this nation and inhibiting its development potential," said Prof Nyong'o.
