Political leaders and a youth group in the South and Central Rift Valley regions have hit out at Deputy President William Ruto for sitting on the fence on the Building Bridges Initiative.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui accused the Deputy President of trying to delay the process of a constitutional amendment by calling for a review of the BBI report.
"Rift Valley shall soldier on to ensure the BBI is successful. There is no middle ground; you either support or reject it. You should not be inconsistent as a national leader. You're either with us or not," he said.
He faulted the DP for failing to give his proposals when the window was open, only to start calling for amendments at a later stage.
"The constitutional amendment process is time-bound - everything is done within the time frame provided for in the law. Anything done outside the time frame becomes difficult to implement," said Mr Kinyanjui.
Moses Esekon, national chairperson of the Vijana Tuomoke na BBI initiative, said that since DP Ruto has consistently talked about youth empowerment through his 'hustler nation narrative, he should recognise that the BBI has enhanced resource allocation to counties, youth and women.
“It is clear the DP was not sincere with his youth empowerment campaign and seems to be thriving on fake promises," said Mr Esekon.
Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama asked the DP to lead the ‘no’ campaign against the BBI while former Nairobi Speaker Alex ole Magelo said the DP and his brigade are taking Kenyans for a ride instead of declaring their stand.
Mr Magelo, who is spearheading the BBI campaign in Maasailand, also told Dr Ruto to lead the ‘no’ campaign.
He wondered why the DP is inconsistent with his stand yet he was recently quoted as saying that the ‘hustler’ nation’s views were integrated into the report.
"The DP and his brigade are playing 2022 politics. They should oppose the document in its totality,” he said.
"There is no point opposing the BBI because of selfish political interests. This document has taken into account the interests of all the people of Kenya.”
He added that leaders from the Maa community have endorsed the BBI report with over 300,000 signatures and promised to rally the public’s support ahead of the planned referendum next year.
Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, the DP’s close ally, urged Narok MCAs to support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) because it increases the counties’ revenue allocation.
Governor Tunai also asked ward representatives to unanimously pass the Bill when it is tabled in the assembly so that the public benefits.
He said the Ward Development Fund as proposed in the BBI will help MCAs undertake development projects without waiting for governors to set aside money.
"The BBI will create three more constituencies in the county and help with the sharing of leadership positions and resources," he added.
Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina has rejected the BBI, saying amendments to article 123 of the Constitution will reduce the senate to a ‘rubber stamp’.
Mr ole Kina also says proposed changes to article 203 of the Constitution, on equitable revenue shares, will create a bigger gap between the rich and poor.
He further noted that the BBI gives the President powers to appoint the Prime Minister, which will hamper inclusivity.
Former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto criticised DP Ruto’s demands to have the referendum held in 2022, alongside the General Election, saying it is impossible.
“Holding two events at the same time will be hectic for voters who may not understand the processes," said Mr Ruto.
He rooted for the BBI document, which he said is the only way to save the country from its violent and divisive elections.
Mr Ruto said Rift Valley needs the BBI more than any other region since it bore the brunt of the 2007/8 post-poll violence.
“"This is the only process that will ensure politicians do not endanger the lives of citizens. It will usher in a new period of tolerance as its provisions will allow all parties to run the government," he said.
At least 667,000 signatures in support of the BBI have been collected in the Rift valley.
Reporting by George Sayagie, Joseph Openda and Francis Mureithi
