Raila hints at reintroducing improved BBI
Raila hints at reintroducing improved BBI urging Kenyans to ignore Ruto's constitutional proposals
Raila hints at reintroducing improved BBI urging Kenyans to ignore Ruto’s constitutional proposals.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has disclosed that his team is preparing to relaunch the “Building Bridges Initiative (BBI),” which he promises will be inclusive and broad.
The former prime minister revealed in an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday night that his team will begin a Constitutional review in January 2023, taking into account all the issues that were overlooked in the BBI, which he and former President Uhuru Kenyatta jointly advocated.
Criticizing President Ruto over his push for the establishment of the office of the Official Leader of the Opposition, Raila noted that the move is questionable after he (Ruto) vehemently opposed the BBI which had a similar proposal, as well as the expansion of the Executive. He noted that the position cannot be created by Parliament and Kenyans must have a say in a referendum.
Sonko defends DP Gachagua as he threatens Sakaja with impeachment
Fuel prices set to rise in January
“We are going to initiate a constitutional review which is going to be participatory. We’re going to come up with a constituent assembly that is going to do a review. This constitution is now 12 years old, (and) it now requires a review because now we know where the shoe is pinching as a people but we’re not going to do it at the behest of Kenya Kwanza administration,” Mr. Odinga said.
“We are not going to be enticed because I am going to be given an office in Parliament. I have had an office as a Prime Minister. It is nothing so exciting to me and we cannot be bribed to circumvent the constitutional provisions just to satisfy certain interests.”
Raila’s announcement comes after President Ruto in a memorandum to National Assembly and the Senate asked Parliament to engage in a law reform that will address four issues: the gender rule, the National Government Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the position of the Leader of Official Opposition, and parliamentary oversight of the Executive.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has already directed various departmental committees to look at the proposals by the President and prepare a report, which will be tabled on the floor of the House when Parliament resumes in February 2023.
Also read,
Raila reveals details of Azimio private meeting with 4 IEBC commissioners
Raila dismisses retirement calls, “I’m going nowhere”
Follow us
