Ruto challenges BBI team to avail copies of the document

Deputy President William Ruto has once again hit out at the proponents of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), accusing them of misleading Kenyans with the proposed constitution changes.

The DP made the remarks while addressing mourners at the burial service of Kabuchai MP James Mukwei Lusweti on Saturday at Sanandiki Primary school in Kabuchai constituency, Bungoma County.

Ruto said that it is unfortunate that some leaders had already embarked on a Yes-No debate when three quarters of Kenyans haven't even read the BBI report.

"Before we move any step in regard to the change in constitution, let every Kenyan be given a copy of the BBI report for them to read, understand and know why we need to change the constitution," Ruto said.

"There is need for us to change the retrogressive politics in our country. We can only do so if we stop talking about who wants to be the President or who wants to be the Prime Minister and many other positions for politicians. We should instead address the concerns of hustlers like boda-boda riders, touts, saloon and kinyozi traders among others," he added.

Dr Ruto said that the interests of boda-boda riders, mama mbogas, touts and small scale traders must be addressed in the BBI for it to be fully accepted by all Kenyans. 

The DP further said Kenyans are intelligent enough not to get duped by anyone.

At the same time, the DP laughed off remarks by some leaders that multiple questions in a referendum is likely to confuse the voters.

"If voters did not get confused while voting for Governors, Senators, Women Reps, MPs and MCAs, how will they be confused with referendum questions," he posed.

Ruto also cautioned leaders against demeaning each other just because they don't agree politically.

The DP eulogised the late Lusweti as a focused, committed and dedicated leader who rose from a very humble background and became a great leader.

"If you keenly follow Lusweti's background and how he rose in politics, you will agree with me that nothing is impossible to a willing heart," he said.

Ruto said that the late MP sacrificed a lot in transforming Kabuchai constituency,  especially the education sector. 

Lusweti’s children

"Mukwe, who was a good friend of mine and had paid me development visits several times, is a true living testimony that no matter has poor and unknown your father or your family may be you can still rise to the highest level since we have a God in heaven who listens to all of his creation," he said.

Ruto also praised Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati for completing development projects he started in the area with Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka. 

During the burial ceremony, Dr Ruto donated Sh500,000 towards the education of Lusweti’s children.

“I understand that Lusweti has young children and none of them is employed. As requested by the widow, Gladys, and her son, Hillary, I am giving her Sh500,000 towards their education,” he said.

The late MP succumbed to Arthritis and blood pressure at Nairobi Hospital on December 4, 2020.

The MP was serving his second term after first being elected to parliament in 2013. The MP has been survived by three widows and 12 children. 

The DP also promised to honour a promise he made to the late MP and return to Kabuchai next year for a fundraiser at Sanandiki Girls High School for the construction of classrooms.

"When I was here I gave your MP Sh2illion for the purchase of land at Sanandiki Girls High School, something that he did and requested me to buy a school bus, which I will," he said. 

Before becoming an MP, Lusweti, who was born in 1961 born, served as a Councillor in the defunct Bungoma County Council and rose to become the Council Chairman.

During his tenure in Parliament, the Ford Kenya elected legislator had a remarkable development record and was once picked as the best MP in Western region in management of CDF funds.

Among the leaders who attended the burial ceremony were Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka, Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang'ula, Governors Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Wilberforce Otichilo (Vihiga) and Vihiga Senator George Khaniri.

Also present were a host MPs including Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache), Wafula Wamunyinyi (Kanduyi), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma Women Rep), Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Malulu Injendi (Malava), John Waluke (Sirisia) and Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza).

The burial ceremony was also attended by hundreds of mourners, who ignored the Ministry of Health's protocols on Covid-19.