Rift Valley leaders bash Ruto for ‘scuttling’ BBI initiative 

A section of leaders from Rift Valley have criticised Deputy President William Ruto for allegedly seeking to scuttle the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi and Chama cha Mashinani (CCM) party leader Isaac Ruto said the move was tantamount to “gross insubordination”.

The leaders said the capping of resources to counties at 35 per cent was particularly good for devolution and would ensure development is felt at the grassroots.

In a meeting attended by Baringo Woman rep Gladys Tungo, ODM nominated MP and Knut secretary-general Wilson Sossion, Tiaty MP William Kamket and Kanu secretary-general Nick Salat, the leaders asked citizens to rally behind the proposed constitutional changes.

“Kenyans have to take the gains under the BBI process, the other outstanding issues will be dealt with after that,” said Mr Moi during a meeting with opinion leaders at Fair Hills Hotel in Bomet town.

He called on county assemblies to back the Constitutional Amendment Bill once it is tabled for ratification.

“Those opposed to the new constitutional process do not have the interests of Kenyans at heart. The proposed changes are good for the country and would enhance the fabric holding the Kenyan society together,” said Mr Moi.

Mr Ruto said leaders should be careful not to polarise the country in what could cause chaos and bloodshed reminiscent of the 2008 post-poll violence.

“No one wins when there is chaos in any society and by the time temperatures cool down, the socio-economic fabric holding the society together would have suffered a lot,” said Mr Ruto.

The former Bomet governor added leaders of all walks of life ought to respect the President as a symbol of unity.

“The handshake between President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga is good for this country. I was a co-principal in Nasa because the team had promised to increase resources to counties. Now that the same has been captured under the BBI process, I have embraced the process,” said Mr Ruto.

Mr Salat and Mr Sossion said creation of additional constituencies would devolve resources and representation closer to the people.

“We are challenging Dr Ruto to bolt out of the Jubilee government and lead the ‘No’ team in the constitutional review process instead of sabotaging the President,” said Mr Salat.

He added, “As President Kenyatta leads the process with Mr Odinga in support of the proposed constitutional amendments, DP Ruto is busy derailing the process. That is the highest level of betrayal and insubordination.”

Mr Sossion called for the fast-tracking of the implementation timelines in a manner that would enable the country to go for a referendum in April next year.