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Moses Kuria, Wa Muchomba clash in front of Matiang’i over BBI

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria clashed with the Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni wa Muchomba after he dismissed those calling for adoption of BBI report through a referendum.

It all started when Mr Kuria told a gathering at a function in Kirinyaga on Friday that there was no logic in the country spending billions to take the document back to the public when they had already given their views on the same.

“It was just the other day we spent Sh500 million collecting views on the same initiative. Why would we again want to spend more on a referendum when we can easily get everything done through Parliament where we are the people’s representatives?” posed Kuria.

But Ms Wamuchomba dismissed the parliamentary route claiming that MPs could not be trusted to undertake the process as they can be compromised.

“We cannot allow this process to be left to these political thugs and it should be left to the people who are supreme on matters Constitution,” she said.

The Woman Reps remarks attracted the fury of MPs Gichimu Githinji (Gichugu) and Wangui Ngirichi (Kirinyaga Woman Rep), who were attending a harambee in aid of Gathuthini Hope Foundation organised by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i was in attendance.

“By simply expressing our democratic rights to state how we feel the BBI should move, and supporting that it comes through Parliament, does not make us political thugs,” Ms Ngirichi said.

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If we implement BBI report the way it is, we will divide kenya further, ODM Lawmaker hints

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) senator has rejected the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report that was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta at Bomas of Kenya on Wednesday.

The Narok senator Ledama Ole Kina says a status quo should be maintained as per now.

He says if the report is implemented the way it is, it will divide kenya further.

The vocal ODM legislator adds that they is no way he is going to support a report that creates an imperial presidency.

“We maintain the Status quo for now! If we implement the report the way it is, we will devide kenya further … there is no way I will support a report that creates an imperial presidency – no way! ” he tweeted on Wednesday night.

According to the report, the President will remain the Head of State and Government and the Commander-in-Chief. He or she shall be the central symbol of National Unity.

The President will chair the Cabinet, which comprises of the Deputy President, the Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers.

The Executive, under the authority of the President, shall have the power to determine the policy of the Government in general, while the Ministers under the leadership of the Prime Minister, shall be collectively responsible in the National Assembly for the execution of the affairs of the Government.

This structure executive makes it more accountable in Parliament and to the people.

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Politics

Joshua Kutuny Owns up BBI Report Hours After Release

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Cherengany Member of Parliament Joshua Kutuny has taken credits in most recommendations made in the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report just hours after being handed to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The BBI’s task force led by Garissa senator Yussuf Haji handed over the report to the president and ODM party leader Raila Odinga at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday.

Present was Deputy President Dr William Ruto.

However, Kutuny says the report set to be made public today ( Wednesday) at Bomas of Kenya is similar to what he was pushing for in 2018.

He says the BBI task force borrowed on his proposal to come up with its report in regard to the creation of the post of Prime Minister and his deputies.

“On matters Building Bridges Initiative (BBi)- This was the proposal I was pushing in 2018 to amend the constitution of Kenya. I am glad BBI taskforce borrowed on my proposal to come up with it’s report in regard to the creation of the post of Prime Minister and his deputies,” he posted.

In the BBI report, the president remains Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief, while the PM will draw his powers from parliament and supervise 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.

“Within a set number of days following the summoning of parliament after an election, the President shall appoint as prime minister an elected member of the National Assembly from a political party having a majority of members in the National Assembly or, if no political party has a majority, one who appears to have the support of a majority of MPs,” the 14-member BBI team has recommended.

The report says that prime minister shall have supervision and execution of the day-to-day functions and affairs of the government.

He/She shall also be the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly.

On the president’s tasking, the prime minister will chair Cabinet sub-committees. In the exercise of his authority, the prime minister shall perform or cause to be performed any matter or matters which the president directs to be done.

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Politics

BBI Report: MPs, MCAs to Lose Sitting Allowances

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta received the BBI report on Tuesday afternoon from task force chairman Senator Yusuf Haji.

Present were Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The report recommends that the state should eliminate sitting allowances of public officers in both the national and the county governments.

MPs and MCAs have been accused of earning huge sitting allowances.

In July 2017, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission abolished MCAs’ mileage reimbursements, sitting allowances for plenary sessions and special responsibility perks.

But last year, the High Court reinstated the benefits, forcing the SRC to return the allowances .

“Strengthen the capacity of the Controller of Budget to enable to detect and respond in a timely manner to misappropriation , wastage and illegal process,” the task force said in the report to be launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta tomorrow (Wednesday) at Bomas of Kenya.

The task force which was constituted by Uhuru and ODM leader Raila Odinga following their handshake in March 2018 also calls for total enforcement of powers of SRC to rationalize all public sector salaries and to address the large discrepancies in remuneration.

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Politics

Tanga Tanga MPs Declare Support For BBI Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday received the much anticipated Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.

The report was handed over to duo at State House, Nairobi in presence of Deputy President William Ruto.

The report, among other issues recommends a President, with executive authority who will be directly elected by the people, with the loser in the State House contest directly nominated to Parliament and takes over as leader of official opposition.

On the structure of government, the BBI team recommends what it termed “a home grown and inclusive” system, that comprises an executive headed by a popularly and directly elected President, and a robust, structured opposition that holds the government to account.

This has seen a section of MPs allied to DP Ruto change tune, and publicly declare their support for the report after strongly criticizing it.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa who has been a great critic is among Tanga tanga members who have publicly declared support for the report.

He says that the report has avoided divisive referendum and reckons that the issues raised can be prosecuted through the parliamentary process .

“Now the BBI Task force has avoided the divisive referendum and reckons that the issues raised can be prosecuted through the parliamentary process.I wish to declare my support for this report,” he tweeted.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who has also been a strong critic of BBI said ” So far so good, Twende Kazi”.

The report will be made public to Kenyans tomorrow (Wednesday) during its official launch at Bomas of Kenya.

Kenyans will be allowed to read and understand it before making a decision.

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Politics

BBI: Ruto Wins Big From The Report

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The much anticipated Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report was on Tuesday finally handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

Deputy President Dr William Ruto was present at Statehouse during the handover.

His dream to clinch the topmost seat in 2022 might come to pass, but what awaits him after the BBI report?

Well, the report recommends a President, with executive authority who will be directly elected by the people, with the loser in the State House contest directly nominated to Parliament and takes over as leader of official opposition.

On the structure of government, the BBI team recommends what it termed “a home grown and inclusive” system, that comprises an executive headed by a popularly and directly elected President, and a robust, structured opposition that holds the government to account.

The Executive, according to BBI, should include the President, a Deputy President, a Prime Minister, and Cabinet Ministers. The president shall have garnered at least 50% plus one vote in the State House race, and at least 25% of total votes cast in at least 24 counties.

The President, according to the report, shall remain Head of State and Government, and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces.

The Deputy President, according to BBI report, remains the President’s principal assistant, and running mate at the ballot.

The proposed Prime Minister in the BBI report shall be an elected member of the National Assembly. The President shall nominate a Prime Minister, whose appointment must be approved by the National Assembly.

The Prime Minister, according to the BBI report, shall control and supervise execution of day-to-day functions and affairs of the government. The Prime Minister shall also, be leader of government business in Parliament and chair of Cabinet Sub-committees.

The BBI report recommends Principal Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, to chair the technical implementation committee that shall comprise all principal secretaries.

The report also proposes the return of Prime Minister’s time, where MPs can pose questions directly to the premier and cabinet ministers.

And in response to the ‘winner takes it all’ mantra that was cited as one of the key causes on bitterly contested elections, BBI has recommended that the loser in a presidential election be nominated to the National Assembly and takes over as leader of official opposition.

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Politics

BBI D-Day: Report to be Made Public on Wednesday

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report will be made public on Wednesday. 

The report will be handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga today (Tuesday).

The report will then be officially launched by the duo on Wednesday at Bomas of Kenya.

The BBI chairman Yusuf Haji on Friday said that the report will be presented to the duo on Tuesday.  

 Haji divulged that claims that the report had leaked to the general public were fake. He reiterated that the contents of the report had been kept top-secret. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday asked leaders not to engage in the sideshows in the name of the report. 

He reminded the leaders to avoid the politics of insults whether they support or oppose the report. He also warned them not to spread rumours before they know the contents of the report.

The head of state made the remarks when he presided over the fourth Kibabii University graduation ceremony in Bungoma County.

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Politics

Be Sober While Engaging in BBI Debate, Ruto Urges Kenyans

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

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).

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Politics

Raila hints at a possible referendum

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has hinted at a possible referendum.

Raila says this will help fix the flaws in the new constitution and make it better for tomorrow and future generations.

He has urged Kenyans to prepare to give views to recommendations by Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) team their report is made public.

The orange party shared Raila’s message via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

“PL @RailaOdinga hints at a possible referendum to fix the flaws in the new current constitution and make it better for tomorrow and future generations. He told Kenyans to prepare to give views to recommendations by the BBI team once their report is made public,” tweeted ODM.

BBI is expected to present its report anytime from now to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila.

The team was formed after President Kenyatta and Raila’s March 9, 2018 handshake.

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Politics

Atwoli Makes Another 2022 Prophecy, Hints at New Gov’t Slots With Uhuru in Power

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (Cotu) secretary general Francis Atwoli has been hitting the headlines with his prophecies, some of which have come to pass.

Do you remember his prophesy on Kibra by elections? Should we eve talk about former Sports CS Rashid Echesa?

Well, Atwoli has once again made another prophecy on 2022 politics.

The COTU boss now says that President Uhuru Kenyatta is destined to be the Prime Minister come 2022, after a new constitutional dispensation.

Speaking on Saturday during a funds drive at Evangelical Bible Church-Ilula in Uasin Gishu County, Atwoli said that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) would give way to an expanded government that would accommodate leaders from different tribes hence kill the menace of post-election violence and tribalism.

He also said that Uhuru was too young to retire, and that he had a lot to offer the country.

“I said about three years ago that this country needs a constitutional amendment because those in leadership are still young to retire and a new law will accommodate them in leadership. I said that about six slots should be created to accommodate more leadership positions and prevent the usual politically instigated skirmishes experienced every election year,” he stated.

According to Atwoli, the BBI report, born following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake with ODM leader Raila Odinga, would be passed with a landslide to give Kenya a new face.

“Kenyans will have an opportunity to give their opinions on the draft and I am very optimistic this is the best document that will address challenges that have been affecting the country every five years,” he stated.

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Politics

Uhuru: I am open to Prime Minister position

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

President Uhuru Kenyatta has indicated that he is open to a Prime Minister position should it be created.

While denying promising opposition leader Raila Odinga of his support come 2022, the head of state pleaded with Central leaders not to abandon the government agenda through pressure to endorse candidates and early political campaigns.

He was speaking in a meeting at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County attended by more than 3,000 leaders on Friday.

He pleaded for calm and said leaders from the region started to discuss the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report too early.

“I do not know the contents of the BBI report yet I hear people claiming Uhuru Kenyatta wants to become the Prime Minister of Kenya. I wouldn’t mind being in leadership in such a post, though let us deal with the current situation first,” Mr Kenyatta said.

The President told the leaders to “analyse and understand” the past in order to secure their political future. He defended the handshake saying it was all about political stability and not 2022 politics.

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Politics

Pack up and Leave if you can’t support BBI, DP Ruto told

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President Dr William Ruto and his allies have been told to pack up and leave if they are not ready to support President Uhuru Kenyatta on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI)push.

Firing the salvo on Saturday, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo asked the DP and his allies in government to pack up and leave if they are not ready to support the President on the push.

He said Dr Ruto is contradicting the President, who has openly stated that he is supportive of the BBI.

“There is no turning back on the push for reforms, which we know will be ushered in through the BBI initiative. We will only listen to Raila and Uhuru, nobody else,” Mr Amollo said.

Speaking during the burial of freedom fighter Achieng Oneko’s widow, Loice Anyangi, at Kunya village in Rarieda, Siaya County, Otiende Amollo alongside Siaya Senator James Orengo tasked the DP to declare his stand on BBI.

Orengo told Dr Ruto that it was time he told Kenyans whether or not he supports the BBI that followed a truce between President Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga, after the prolonged elections season in 2017.

Mr Orengo claimed Dr Ruto is a “fence-sitter” who can’t be trusted with the country’s leadership.

He said it is strange that the DP supports the Constitution yet he opposed its adoption in 2010.

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Politics

Orengo: Ruto is a “fence-sitter” who can’t be trusted with the country’s leadership

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

A section of Raila Odinga-led ODM party members are now challenging deputy president Dr William Ruto to declare his stand on the looming Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) proposals.

The lawmakers on Saturday said the DP has been sending mixed signals, leading to speculation that he is opposed to the drive.

The group of six lawmakers led by Senate minority leader and Siaya senator James Orengo tasked Ruto to say whether or not he was supporting BBI, an initiative that was formed by his boss president Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila after the March 9, 2018 handshake.

Orengo said the DP has been sending mixed signals, leading to speculation that he is opposed to the drive.

He further told Dr Ruto that it was time he told Kenyans whether or not he supports the BBI.

Orengo claimed Dr Ruto is a “fence-sitter” who can’t be trusted with the country’s leadership.

He said it is strange that the DP supports the Constitution yet he opposed its adoption in 2010.

“Ruto must declare his stand on the BBI. Those he has lined up to oppose the document must also give us the alternative they’re proposing. Let them put their proposal on the table” the senator said in Rarieda, Siaya County.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo fired the first salvo when he asked the DP and his allies in government to pack up and leave if they are not ready to support the President on the BBI push.

He said Dr Ruto is contradicting the President, who has openly stated that he is supportive of the BBI.

“There is no turning back on the push for reforms, which we know will be ushered in through the BBI initiative. We will only listen to Raila and Uhuru, nobody else,” Mr Amollo said.

He said it is strange that the DP supports the Constitution yet he opposed its adoption in 2010.

“Ruto must declare his stand on the BBI. Those he has lined up to oppose the document must also give us the alternative they’re proposing. Let them put their proposal on the table” the senator said in Rarieda, Siaya County.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo fired the first salvo when he asked the DP and his allies in government to pack up and leave if they are not ready to support the President on the BBI push.

He said Dr Ruto is contradicting the President, who has openly stated that he is supportive of the BBI.

“There is no turning back on the push for reforms, which we know will be ushered in through the BBI initiative. We will only listen to Raila and Uhuru, nobody else,” Mr Amollo said.

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Politics

Ruto trashes Nation’s story on BBI, vows to stand behind Uhuru

by Mustafa Juma
written by Mustafa Juma

Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed claims that he is in a predicament over his stand the Building Bridges Initiative.

Ruto was responding on Saturday to a front-page headline on the Nation which reported the DP was in a dilemma over the BBI and had no choice but to back President Uhuru Kenyatta on the report.

The country’s second in command trashed the notion saying that Jubilee as a democratic party accommodates divergent views over the report that has in recent months proved divisive across the political divide.

The DP added that eventually, they will rally behind the party and its leader Uhuru Kenyatta.

“DILEMMA?Hapana!No way! Jubilee as a democratic party celebrates diversity of opinion free of hate and focused on transformation for all; for us big or small matters BUT ultimately as initiators of inclusive non-tribal political discourse we will stand behind our Party and Leader,” Ruto tweeted.

The BBI has proposed the introduction of a parliamentary system of government with a powerful Prime Minister and two deputies, radically overhauling the current system of governance.

The BBI team is against the winner-takes-all presidential system, largely blamed for political tensions and post-election violence.

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