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Uhuru Rejects Judges Who Stopped BBI Reggae As He Finally Gazettes Appointments

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has rejected the names of six judges as he finally gazetted appointments of 34 out of the 40 judges that had been recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in 2019.

Among the six names rejected on Thursday June 3, 2021 are the judges that issued a ruling that stopped the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) reggae.

They include Aggrey Muchelule, George Odunga, Weldon Korir and Prof Joel Ngugi who were recommended for the Court of Appeal.

Ngugi was the judge who led the team which cut short the BBI train. Odunga was part of the team.

Judges approved for the Court of Appeal are Msagha Mbogholi, Hellen Omondi, Mumbi Ngugi, Francis Tuiyott, Pauline Nyamweya, Jessie Lesiit, and Imaana Laibuta.

The nine judges appointed by the president to be Judges of the Employment and Labour Relations Court are Baari Christine Noontatua, Gakeri Jacob Kariuki, Keli Jemima Wanza, Mwaure Ann Ngibuini, Matanga Bernard Odongo Manani, Rutto Stella Chemtai, Kebira Ocharo, Kitiku Agnes Mueni-Nzei, and Nderitu David Njagi.

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The president has also appointed 18 judges to serve as Judges of the Environment and Land Court.

They are Mboya Oguttu Joseph, Naikuni Lucas Leperes, Mwanyale Michael Ngolo, Addraya Edda Dena, Kimani Lilian Gathoni, Kamau Joseph Mugo, Wabwoto Karoph Edward, and Koross Anne Yatich Kipingor.

Others are Gicheru Maxwell Nduiga, Mogeni Ann Jacqueline Akhalemesi, Ongarora Fred Nyagaka, Christopher Kyania Nzili, Mugo David Mwangi, Omollo Lynette Achieng’, Washe Emmanuel Mutwana, Nyukuri Annet, Murigi Theresa Wairimu, and Asati Esther. 

In July 2019, the JSC interviewed and selected the 41 judges and recommended them for appointment by the President.

Some 11 names were forwarded for appointment as Court of Appeal judges and 30 for the High Court. One person has since died.

The list of the 41 judges was forwarded to the president for appointment in 2019 during the tenure of former CJ David Maraga. 

In mid-2020, Maraga tried to push the president to appoint the names forwarded to him but he did not receive any response from Uhuru.

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Politics

Wetang’ula Declares His Final ‘Messy’ Position On BBI Bill, Attracts KOT’s Wrath

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula has declared his final position on the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020, famously known as the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) referendum Bill.

The Bungoma Senator on Saturday May 8, 2021 through his official Twitter account defended his earlier position on the bill, saying that he was only a critic of the BBI referendum bill.

Wetang’ula on Tuesday made a surprise move, calling for radical amendments on the bill that has hence received a nod from the Members of National Assembly.

Wetang’ula who is a principal in the One Kenya Alliance said to be enjoying the blessings of President Uhuru Kenyatta, said the bill contains several provisions that will erode the gains the country has made.

Speaking during the debate on the Bill in the senate chambers on Tuesday, Wetangula said the provisions are a clawback and should be changed by parliament to realign them to the Constitution.

The senator took issue with the second schedule of the Bill that creates 70 constituencies, creation of the Judiciary Ombudsam, scrapping of 47 woman rep positions in the National Assembly and creation of the Youth Commission.

“I don’t understand why we are creating a Youth Commission. We have so many laws that govern our youth. Kenyans must learn to understand that youth is neither a disadvantage nor a disability. It is a transit state in human life,” he said.

The vocal lawmaker, a lawyer by profession, questioned the constitutionality, rationale and criteria for the creation and allocation of 70 constituencies to some 47 counties.

However, he has defended his position saying that he was only pointing out some of the shortcomings in the BBI bill.

He went ahead to declare his final position on the bill’s vote, saying that he will vote yes for the bill when it will be tabled in the senate.

“It does appear to me that many don’t understand the difference between a critic on a bill and opposing a bill. Pointing out shortcomings in a bill like I did on the BBI bill is a legislator’s duty. I will vote YES for the bill. It’s my and FK party position!” he said.

Wetang’ula’s statement did not, however, go well with a section of Kenyans on Twitter, who have condemned him for pointing out the shortcomings in the BBI referendum bill, but still going ahead to vote YES.

The seeming angry KOT criticized Wetang’ula for endorsing the BBI referendum bill with all the shortcomings he had pointed out.

Here are some of the KOT’s reactions.

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Politics

Blow To Uhuru, Raila As Ruto’s Agenda In Meeting With Mt Kenya MCAs Is Revealed

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner the ODM leader Raila Odinga may just suffer another blow in their efforts to popularise the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) in Mt. Kenya region.

Members of County Assembly (MCAs) allied to Deputy President William Ruto from across the 10 counties in the region will be meeting at Thika Greens in Murang’a today, while another team will be in Nyahururu next weekend to chart the way forward and give their stand on the BBI issue, which has divided the region.

Ruto’s allies have clustered counties in three groups where they are scheduled to meet the ward representatives to discuss BBI and his 2022 presidential bid.

Already, the allies have met MCAs from Meru, Isiolo and Tharaka Nithi, which formed the first group that had an inaugural meeting on Saturday last week.

Today, Tangatanga leaders will meet MCAs from Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Embu while the last meeting at Nyahururu town on January 30 will be targeting MCAs in Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nakuru and Laikipia.

Forty-two Meru MCAs attended the meeting alongside five from Isiolo, five from Tharaka Nithi, and 19 from Kirinyaga. There were also a couple of MCAs from Nyeri and Kiambu. MPs Rahim Dawood (North Imenti) and Josephat Gichunge (Tigania West) also attended.

The steering committee of the Mt Kenya MCAs meeting includes Chinga MCA Kiruga Thuku, Gatanga’s Nahashon Gachuhi, Ken Mukira (Nyandarua), Kinyua Wangui (Kirinyaga), Elias Murage (Meru), Peter Mbae (Nakuru), Robarto Maina (Laikipia) and Mr Ikonya from Kiambu.

It is understood that after the meeting today, the allies will then select their representatives who will lead a charm offensive campaigns at the grassroots to popularise Ruto’s bid.

“We have requested the deputy president to attend the ceremony and he said he will if he will be available,” said Thuku, adding that they will not discuss BBI. 

Ruto’s Spokesman David Mugonyi, however, said he was not aware that his boss will attend the meeting, answering in a brief text message, “There is nothing like that” when a local daily tried to reach out to him.

Mt Kenya region Assemblies Caucus representative Charles Ng’ang’a said Ruto’s allies have been wooing them to oppose the BBI report in a bid to flex their muscles and to prove that although the region is perceived as President Kenyatta’s stronghold, they have been able to turn tables.

“We have been approached on how we shall reject the BBI report in the region. They argue that the proposed Ward Development Fund is just but a sweetener and a bait for us to approve the report but they are telling us that the State has been unable to release development monies from the Treasury and will not be able to implement the proposal,” said Ng’ang’a.

Ng’ang’a has, however, urged the MCAs to ignore the gimmicks and approve the report due to the gains that the region will get.

He further claimed that DP Ruto’s allies are only interested in settling political scores.

“However, I urge MCAS to reject such gimmicks and approve the report due to the gains that the region will get. Other than ward fund, there are other proposals like the revenue sharing formula and representation that favours our region, Ruto’s allies are only interested in settling political scores but the report seeks to cater for our interests.”

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Politics

After Kang’atta’s Letter, Waiguru Now Sends Another Explosive BBI Message To Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Just a few weeks after Senate Majority whip Irungu Kang’ata’s BBI letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta went viral, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has also raised concerns.

Kang’ata in his letter had warned the President that the BBI document was unpopular in Mt Kenya region, and unless much is done, it was likely to fail.

Waiguru wants an all-inclusive team to lead the BBI campaigns in Mt Kenya region if it is meant to pass.

She said there is a need to embrace all leaders, including those with varied opinions, if efforts to sell the document in the vote-rich region will succeed.

Waiguru spoke even as the Mt Kenya BBI secretariat met leaders from the region in efforts to calm discontent arising from alleged exclusion of some of the leaders.

The claim emerged after a five-member team was picked to popularise the BBI in the region.

Yesterday’s meeting was chaired by Kirinyaga Senator Charles Kibiru with most of those who attended refusing to divulge details.

Waiguru in an interview with The Standard cast aspersions on the newly-selected secretariat saying: “BBI is a political process that must be led by people the community recognises as political influencers.”

According to her, BBI is a political process and if it is not led by people the community recognises as political influencers, it will have challenges.

The team selected a fortnight ago comprises Kibiru, MPs Maoka Maore (Ntonyiri), Ruth Mwaniki (Kigumo), Peter Mwathi (Limuru) and Jane Njiru (Embu). 

The five have pledged allegiance to Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, but are accused of not being strong defenders of the president.

Waiguru was a member of Team Embrace that brought together women parliamentarians from Jubilee and ODM which drummed up support for the BBI.

Asked whether she was among the leaders that selected the Mt Kenya BBI secretariat and what she felt about it, Waiguru said she was not invited at Thika Greens meeting where the matter was discussed. 

She said she is not worried about being excluded as she is busy pushing development projects in Kirinyaga.

The governor said for the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 to get approval, there is need to make the process as collaborative as possible.

This, according to Waiguru, will entail bringing on board leaders with divergent views so that all leaders can own the document.

She warned that the process should not be made competitive as that would end up bringing more opposition to the BBI project which will spell doom to agenda and the mission of amending the 2010 Constitution.

“It is my view that for it to pass smoothly, we need to move from making BBI a competitive to a collaborative process by bringing everyone on board, including those with divergent views, so that we all own the document as opposed to having competing internal and external camps,” Waiguru said.

On whether she will continue supporting the proposed constitutional amendments, the governor said: “I will wait to be advised and then make decisions on how best to engage.” 

Speaking during an interview with four vernacular radio stations in the region on Monday, the President lashed out at the BBI opponents accusing them of stirring up incitement among Kenyans through the dynasty versus hustler narrative which he warned will divide Kenyans.

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New Details Reveal The Real Masterminds Behind Kang’ata’s BBI Letter To Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Fresh details have emerged, revealing how the letter addressed to President Uhuru Kenyatta by Senate Majority leader Irungu Kang’ata on the alleged unpopularity of BBI in Mt. Kenya, was carefully drafted.

According to the details, the Murang’a Senator had held a series of consultations that culminated in a secretive night meeting held at his Grogan home in Murang’a on New Year’s eve. 

Reports indicate that the meetings had been prompted by Jubilee Party and Governor Mwangi Waria’s Civic Renewal Party (CRP) losses in a by-election held in Gaturi ward, Murang’a on December 15, 2020.

Kang’ata is said to have held a meeting on the night of December 31st in which he carefully vetted attendees. A source revealed that 24 people were present, 3 from each of the sub-counties. 

Strategists who have guided the Senator in his political career were also present. 

The meeting was dominated by a popularity analysis of the Tanga Tanga and Kieleweke factions, after which Kang’ata was asked to chart a new political journey, starting with a candid report to President Kenyatta.

“He (Kang’ata) was told to tell the president that people were complaining of being forced into unpalatable political formations, was reeling under policy-driven business hardships and that generally, the president had become a stranger to them hence rebellion against him and his administration was at their peak,” the source was quoted by a local daily as saying.

In the course of the meeting, the delegates are said to have questioned Kang’ata’s alliance with the Kieleweke faction. 

Joshua Kimani, who spoke to the local daily revealed that the senator was informed of Tanga Tanga’s popularity in the region.

“The senator urged us to be as truthful as possible with him because he wanted to ensure his 2022 contest for Murang’a governor would be premised on the political pulse of the county. We were all unanimous that, first, he was in the wrong wing of politics. We told him point-blank that how he was used by Kieleweke to de-whip Tanga Tanga loyalists had eroded his standing in Murang’a, and that, unless he remedied the situation, he was walking into his political gallows,” Kimani was quoted as saying.

The Senate Chief Whip was advised that there was little chance that he would be elected Murang’a Governor in 2022, so long as he continued to associate himself with the Kieleweke faction aligned to President Kenyatta, ODM Leader Raila Odinga, and former presidential candidate Peter Kenneth.

Kang’ata prides himself in not having lost any election since joining politics in 2002, at a tender age of 21 years. 

“We made our case very well and backed it with actual evidence that is in the public domain. We told Kang’ata that if the Kieleweke 2022 ticket was the one being sold by the Handshake team with Raila Odinga as President and Peter Kenneth as his running mate, then he had better kiss his Murang’a gubernatorial ambitions goodbye,” Kimani added.

“As a Jubilee die-hard loyal to President Kenyatta, I saw it wise to collect that intelligence and compile it and bring it to the attention of the party and its leader,” Kang’ata is quoted as saying when he revealed that the meeting at his home was heated.

The letter by Kang’ata to President Kenyatta was dated December 30, however, it has been established that it had been authored on December 31, 2020, before hitting the headlines on January 3, 2021.

Kang’ata informed the President of the political landscape in the Mount Kenya region with regard to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), and his findings rubbed off pro-BBI champions the wrong way.

In the letter, Kang’ata urged that the BBI consider adopting two pet lines – a consensus-oriented process that would see the referendum bear multiple questions- something that has through the course of the report been championed b Deputy President William Ruto.

Critics of the letter have since accused Kang’ata of playing sideshows and that he was rejoining Tanga Tanga.

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Politics

Junet Breathes Fire Over Senator Kang’ata’s Leaked BBI Letter To Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Secretariat Co-Chairman Junet Mohamed has hit out at Senate Majority Whip Irungu Kang’ata over his leaked letter to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Junet questioned the timing of Kang’ata’s poll that was recorded in the letter, as the public were engaged in festivities and noted that the opinion is based on his claims.

“I don’t come from that area (Mount Kenya) so I cannot confirm what (Mr) Kang’ata is saying but this is the gospel according to Kang’ata. He may have his own opinion but I don’t know when Kang’ata became a pollster in this country.

“The last time I checked, he was Majority Whip in the Senate but today we are seeing  Kang’ata who is a pollster and who can go and commission an opinion poll within the Christmas period,” said Junet.

The Suna East MP insisted that the BBI secretariat is currently engaged in the verification of the collected signatures.

He becomes the highest-ranking official in the BBI team to respond to the letter which has been widely circulated since its release on Sunday, January 3rd. 

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) began the process of signature verification on Thursday, December 31 to get one million credible signatures and meet the constitutional threshold.

In the letter to Uhuru, Kang’ata warned that the provincial administration’s role in the BBI process was contributing to its unpopularity. 

“The role of the provincial administration & other forms of hard tactics in BBI mobilization is being framed as an example of government using its hard power to force citizens to endorse BBI. I propose we find ways of government wears velvet gloves.”

“Based on a survey I conducted during the December 2020 holidays, I have to the conclusion, BBI is unpopular in Mt Kenya… Out of every 10 persons I surveyed, six opposed it, two support it, and two others are indifferent,” his letter read in part.

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Gideon Moi and Isaac Ruto
Politics

Ruto to Gideon Moi: I Will Support You For Presidency in 2022

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Baringo senator Gideon Moi has been assured of support in 2022 presidency, should he he declare his interest in the top most political seat.

Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) led by former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto is ready to support the KANU party leader in his 2022 presidential bid.

The first Bomet Governor while speaking at an event in Bomet on Friday December 4, said that his party plans to field candidates in all other elective positions except the presidency.

Ruto encouraged Gideon Moi to enter the race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Ruto challenged the senator to go for the top seat, saying many would love to see his name on the ballot.

He was addressing Kanu delegates and supporters during a BBI sensitisation campaign.

However, Gideon did not respond to Ruto’s challenge. He said he was fully behind the BBI and that he belonged to a political formation that reflects the face of Kenya led by President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

He exuded confidence that the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2020 would sail through the county assemblies and eventually at the vote because majority of Kenyans fully support the process.

He said Kanu will continue to popularise the document as the party’s top leadership meets members across the country.

Gideon has so far toured five counties to rally the masses behind the BBI and revitalise his party.

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Raila Tears Into DP Ruto Shortly After Receiving BBI Signatures

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has torn into critics of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Taking to his official twitter account on Friday December 4, shortly after receiving the BBI signatures from 13 regions across the country, the former Prime Minister slammed those claiming to be speaking for the people.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto and his allies have been opposing the constitutional changes, with the DP claiming to be speaking for millions of Kenyans.

However, Raila said that those claiming to be speaking for the people should leave them to speak for themselves.

Raila noted that the people have already spoken by appending their signatures in support of the BBI, which is aimed at amending the 2010 constitution, through a referendum that has been proposed to happen in 2021.

He further revealed that over 5 million Kenyans had appended their signatures in support of BBI.

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He said that the journey towards referendum now continues, with the collected signatures expected to be presented to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for verification.

“I appeal to the naysayers out there who claim to be speaking for the people to realize that the people have spoken and let the people continue speaking for themselves. Over 5 million Kenyans have thus far appended their signatures endorsing the BBI process. The journey continues!”Raila tweeted.

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This Ain’t Nothing But a Gangster Party! ODM Lawmaker Blasts BBI

by Jacinta Mbithi
written by Jacinta Mbithi

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) lawmaker has blasted the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), barely two days after President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga officially launched collection of signatures at KICC.

Taking to his official Twitter account on Friday November 27, the Narok Senator Ledama Olekina faulted his party leader Raila and President Kenyatta for going ahead with the launch of signature collection ahead of a looming referendum, despite the document not having captured the issues he had raised.

Olekina said that unless the amendments made to article 203 of the constitution are removed, he will not support the BBI document.

While affirming his solid stand, the vocal lawmaker argued that he was not going to keep quiet when money is being taken away from pastoralists.

While confirming that he was not a happy man because of the recommendations made in the BBI report, Olekina claimed that the BBI movement is nothing but just a Gangster Party.

“You’ll so happy about the BBI right ? Unless the amendment to article 203 are removed I will not support it! That’s my solid stand! Now you know! You can’t take money away from pastoralist and expect me to be happy! There you have it! This ain’t nothing but a gangster party!” Senator Ledama posted on Twitter.

Earlier on , senator Ledama Olekina had made the former Prime Minister, where he said that he had raised to him the issues affecting his Maasai community.

Olekina then argued that Raila had agreed to include the issues in the final BBI document.

However, the issues seem not to have been captured.

Among the issues that the lawmaker want solved are land issues that are witnessed in Laikipia, Kajiado, Narok and Samburu counties.

Yesterday, the lawmaker claimed that it is the question of land in the above counties that was going to decide the way forward for him on BBI.

He argued that he was not going to keep quiet and watch his people get evicted from their ancestral lands.

“From Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia and Samburu the question of land will decide the way forward for me! This is what matters to me now! Historical land injustices must be resolved. You cannot forcefully evict our people from their ancestral land and expect me to keep quite!” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, the BBI train has already taken off, with the signature collection exercise expected to take one week.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Dennis Waweru are leading the exercise.

As per yesterday, a section of Kenyans had already endorsed the document by appending their signatures online via a digital platform that was launched by the BBI team.

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There Will be Contested Referendum Unless Tangatanga Surrenders to BBI, Says Raila’s Right-hand Man

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

ODM leader Raila Odinga’s spokesperson Dennis Onyango has dismissed Deputy President William Ruto’s call for a non contested referendum.

Taking to his official Twitter handle on Thursday night, Onyango claimed that the idea that there can be a non Contested referendum exists only in the minds of “cowardly and sly conmen and women”, whom he claimed that are only found in tanga tanga political faction.

According to Dennis Onyango, Tanga tanga only want to have their cake and eat it.

Onyango argued that there will be a Contested referendum unless the political faction allied to DP Ruto surrenders and supports the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) the way it is.

“The idea that there can be a non contested referendum exists only in the minds of cowardly and sly conmen and women in Tangatanga who want to have their cake and eat it. There will be a contested referendum unless Tangatanga surrenders and supports BBI as is, ” tweeted Onyango.

DP Ruto through his official social media handles had said that a non Contested referendum in the country is possible.

The second in command was responding to a headline that had been written by The Standard newspaper, which said “Uhuru, Raila take BBI numbers war to Ruto”.

Ruto in his response said that he loved Kenya enough, never to be part of any wars.

The DP said that there is a real possibility of a win-win consensus ahead of the looming referendum.

According to DP Ruto, an us versus them, and a Yes or No contest is unnecessary since it will lead to a lose-lose outcome.

He urged the leaders pushing for BBI to accept a non-contested referendum.

“I LOVE this country enough NEVER to be part of any ‘war.’Not when there is a real possibility for a WIN-WIN CONSENSUS beckoning. An ‘US vs THEM, ‘YES/NO’ contest that will lead to LOSE-LOSE outcome is UNNECESSARY & UNWARRANTED.A NON-CONTESTED referendum is possible. INAWEZEKANA,” DP Ruto tweeted on Wednesday November 18.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga were to launch the official collection of signatures on Thursday November 19, but the exercise was halted.

The collection of signatures which was to take one week was postponed after President Kenyatta and his Deputy Ruto held a 3-hour meeting at State House.

According to reports, the two agreed to allow some time for dialogue, to correct the gaps that are in the initial BBI report.

Raila had earlier on argued that there is no room to make any changes on the document, claiming that the only changes to be made will be editorial.

With President Kenyatta seemingly having bowed to dialogue pressure from DP Ruto, do you think Ruto’s demands will be accepted on the document, to allow a non Contested referendum?

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“Kama Huna Point Usilete Makasiriko,” Murkomen Slams DP Ruto’s Hecklers at Bomas

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen has fired back at the people who were heckling Deputy President William Ruto when he was giving his speech at the Bomas of Kenya during the official launch of the second Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

Taking to his official twitter handle after the official launch of the report at Bomas ended, the former senate Majority Leader said that those that were heckling the DP are now ashamed of themselves.

Murkomen argued that DP Ruto’s critics had been told that BBI needed a dialogue, but they did not listen.

He told them not to get angered when they fail to argue with facts.

Murkomen made the post just moments after President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP Ruto embraced each other and had a light moment when the event came to an end.

“To the hecklers who were heckling DP in Bomas ona sasa aibu ndogo ndogo mumejipatia. Mliambiwa hii kitu inataka dialogue na kama huna point usilete makasiriko,” Murkomen tweeted.

President Kenyatta and DP Ruto had differed in opinions during the launch of the report. DP Ruto while giving his speech pointed out all the weakness in the report, and argued that there is still a large room for a dialogue aimed at improving the report.

President Kenyatta responded back to the DP, saying that he was aware of everything that was going on, and even took part in the selection process of BBI steering committee.

Despite them differing in opinions, they still had a light moment as soon as the head of state finished addressing the people at the Bomas.

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Murkomen Slams Uhuru as 2nd BBI Report is Officially Launched

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen has questioned whether President Uhuru Kenyatta ill really retire in 2022 as his term comes to an end.

Speaking through his official twitter account on Monday October 26, 2020, the former senate Majority leader questioned why the head of state wants to amend the constitution, just two years to his retirement.

Murkomen noted that the president was not sincere with his 2022 retirement if he wants to leave an imperial president, after amending the constitution through the famous Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

“Why does a retiring President want to leave behind an imperial President if he is truly retiring?” Murkomen posted.

President Kenyatta and his new-found friend, the ODM leader Raila Odinga on October 13 received the second BBI report recommendations at the Kisii State Lodge, with the report set to be officially launched to Kenyans today (Monday October 26), at the Bomas of Kenya.

The report has elicited mixed reactions since it was handed over to the handshake duo, with some Kenyans opposing it, claiming that the recommendations carries the interests of selfish politicians.

A task force was created after Prsident Kenyatta and Raila’s March 9, 2018 handshake to look at nine issues, including ethnic antagonism, corruption and devolution- some of the major issues perceived to be affecting the country since it got its independence.

Last year, the task force presented its findings at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi amid much fanfare.

Some of its key proposals included; Introducing the position of a prime minister, giving counties bigger budgets to implement development schemes, making the cabinet more representative of the nation and intensifying corruption fight.

In the BBI report, the president remains the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief, while the Prime Minister will draw his powers from parliament and supervise the execution of day-to-day government affairs.

The PM, under the proposals, will be the leader of the largest political party or coalition of parties and will be appointed by the president and approved by the House.

However, the critics of the report have argued that the return of an imperial president is ill-advised. Some claim that President Kenyatta is likely to stick to power in 2022, but the head of state has on several occasion dismissed the claims.

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Uhuru, Raila Receive Final BBI Report, to be Launched on Sunday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday received the Building Bridges Initiative report.

Uhuru who is in Kisii County received the report by the Yusuf Haji-led team after months of waiting.

Sources close to the team revealed that the report is likely to be launched on Sunday.

The BBI report is expected to change the country’s governance structure, including the creation of the Office of Prime Minister and two deputies.

This, in turn, has caused mixed reactions from politicians who are supporting and opposing yet they have not seen what is in the report.

During Mashujaa day on October 20, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a strong case for a referendum to approve changes to the Constitution before the 2022 General Elections.

The President appeared to set the stage for the release of the Building Bridges Initiative report expected to recommend the expansion of the Executive.

Uhuru said the changes would entrench political inclusion, equity in the distribution of opportunities and resources, and end violence every electoral cycle.

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Edwin Sifuna, David Ndii in an Ugly Twitter Spat Over Case Filed to Switch Off BBI Reggae

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and economist David Ndii have this morning engaged in a twitter spat over a petition that was filed in court to challenge the constitutional changes that are set to happen through the famous Building Bridges initiative.

Economist David Ndii and activists Jerotich Seii, Jane Ngondi, Wanjiru Gikonyo and Ikal Angelei are seeking ‘to stop reggae completely’ with their eyes on sections of law which are at the heart of the BBI drive.

The petitioners, through lawyer Nelson Havi, want the court to declare that five chapters of the 2010 Constitution – Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Four, Chapter Nine and Chapter Ten – cannot be altered or changed through amendments, either by Parliament or popular initiative. They argue these chapters form the foundation of the country and should not therefore be altered.

However, Sifuna while responding to the petition argued that it should be thrown out as it is a “poorly” drafted “academic thesis disguised as pleadings.”

Sifuna further argued that instead of the three Judge bench they want, Chief Justice David Maraga should save time and money and dismiss the petition.

“Some “activists” filed an academic thesis disguised as pleadings. You will not see more poorly drafted, nebulous, theoretical musings than that so called petition. Instead of the 3 Judge bench they want, the CJ shd save time and money and dismiss the thing in limine,” Sifuna posted.

In his response, Ndii said a law degree should be a second degree, adding that the lawyer does not “know now his Dworkin from his Hart.”

Ronald Dworkin argues that moral principles that people hold dear are often wrong, even to the extent that certain crimes are acceptable if one’s principles are skewed enough.

Sifuna again, came to fire back urging the economist to instead share the court papers on his blog.

Terming the filed petition as a conference presentation, Sifuna told Ndii that it will be thrown out faster than he could say second degree.

“My brother… Court papers are not economic theory. That conference presentation you filed will be thrown out faster than you can say 2nd degree. You should just have posted it on that blog of yours along with your other musings on dynasties,” he posted.

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Politics

David Ndii Files Case in Court to Scuttle Uhuru’s BBI Agenda

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Renown activist David Ndii has moved to court seeking to stop the constitutional amendments through the famous Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Ndii together with four others who have filed the case want the matter certified as urgent.

The other activists who have filed the case against BBI are Jerotich Seii, Ikal Angelei, Ciru Gikonyo and James Gondi.

They also want the matter to be immediately sent to Chief Justice David Maraga for the constitution of a three-judge bench to hear it.

They have sued the chief government advisor, the Speaker of National Assembly Justin Muturi, Speaker of Senate Ken Lusaka and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.

Deputy President William Ruto’s allies had been earlier reported to be at an advanced stage of filing a petition to stop the BBI process, which is expected to culminate in a referendum before 2022 general elections.

A local daily had on Wednesday September 16 reported that Ruto fears if he is defeated in a referendum too close to the election, then the result will give momentum to his rivals who will ride on the plebiscite to win the 2022 polls.

This will not be the first time an attempt will be made to disband the BBI.

A similar petition was lodged unsuccessfully with the High Court by former presidential candidate Akuru Aukot of the Thirdway Alliance.

Aukot had argued the initiative was unconstitutional and a waste of taxpayers’ money.

High Court judge John Mativo ruled, however, that President Kenyatta exercised executive powers that cannot be questioned by the court.

Ruto has publicly indicated he might rally his troops to oppose any amendments to the Constitution.

The second in command has on several occasions, during public rallies argued that a few individuals are planning to create political seats for themselves through BBI and referendum, a move he said he was not going to allow.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga have however, maintained that BBI is about unity and making Kenya better again.

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Politics

Murathe Tears Into DP Ruto Over His Remarks Against BBI Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Jubilee Party vice chairman David Murathe has once again lashed out at Deputy President William Ruto over his continued criticism against the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV on Tuesday night, Murathe accused DP Ruto of mobilising a ‘No campaign’ even before the BBI team hands over its final report.

According to Murathe, it is wrong to oppose a referendum before knowing the contents of the BBI report.

“I’m surprised that some people are opposing a referendum yet they have not seen the final report. People are taking positions on a document they have not seen. A document that has not been unveiled or presented to the two principals, ” he said.

Murathe said nobody is privy to the contents of the BBI’s final report.”We are all waiting for the document to be unveiled and only then will we know what lies ahead,” he added.

He maintained that everybody  had a chance to present their views to the BBI task force as it was going round collecting opinions.

Speaking during the he weekend at the Coast, Ruto said the Constitution should be fully implemented and not amended.

Ruto had earlier said no one had sought his views on BBI as a member of Jubilee, but Murathe said the President’s stand is taken as the stand of the party.

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