Deputy President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to be sober while engaging in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) debate as the task force that compiled it prepares to release it on Tuesday.
He warned unnamed leaders against threatening or intimidating Kenyans about it, in what was largely seen as directed to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who is also the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Ruto said Kenyans would have a final say on the BBI report that is set to be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday.
Speaking in Laikipia and Tharaka Nithi Counties on Saturday, the Deputy President said opinions of all Kenyans irrespective of their status matter and would be respected.
“The debate should be done soberly and peacefully with no threats, propaganda or intimidations. What we know in Jubilee Party is that every opinion counts and must be respected,” he said, “No one should look down upon Kenyans because of their status in the society.”
The Deputy President asked leaders not to use the report to divide Kenyans on tribal or political affiliations.
He said the report offers Kenyans a unique opportunity to discuss ways to address challenges facing the country.
“When the report is out, all Kenyans will have the opportunity to read and give opinion on what they think is good for the country with the aim of finding solutions to our problems,” said Ruto.
He spoke during Ngobit Ward women groups empowerment programme at Makutano Shalom grounds in Ngobit, Laikipia County.
Present were MPs Catherine Waruguru (Women Rep, Laikipia), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Patrick Mariru (Laikipia West), Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), Joyce Korir (Women Rep, Bomet) and Patrick Munene (Chuka/Igamba N’gombe).
Others were Kubai Iringo (Igembe Central), Jane Chebaibai (Women Rep, Elgeyo Marakwet) and Mary Wamaua (Maragua).
