Why clergymen want Uhuru's term extended 

A group of bishops has called for the extension of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s term “to ensure sufficient time for the implementation of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report”.

The bishops under the banner of the Kenya Council of Church Alliances and Ministries (KCCAM), said if an extension of the President’s term would result in an all-inclusive report, they would back the idea. 

Bishop Mark Kariuki of Deliverance Church asked the President and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga to convene a national delegates conference “in order to address contentious issues”. 

“This should be done even if it means extending the term of the government to create room for debate and building bridges. We need enough time for everybody to participate and feel represented to avoid an ‘us-versus-them’ scenario. We want a win-win situation,” Bishop Kariuki said.

The bishops added that the conference would ensure BBI promotes unity. 

“We will present recommendations and proposed amendments on the issues the Church raised in 2010 and our views on the constitutional changes to the March 9, 2018 handshake principals,” KCCAM chairman Kepha Omae said yesterday.

Addressing reporters at Biblical Centre, they cautioned against threats by proponents of the initiative not to amend the document. 

On Tuesday, Mr Odinga said there is little likelihood that new ideas would be accommodated in the BBI document. 

“There is little chance of significant new ideas being brought into the BBI document ahead of the referendum, except for editorial work to make it explicit on demands by various groups where it sounds vague or general as is the case with the issues of pastoralists,” Mr Odinga said. 

Review the document

“It is done and there is little likelihood that new ideas will be pushed into it. However, some groups feel their views were not captured in the manner they were presented during the collection of views. Those are the corrections we promise to make.”

KCCAM treasurer Stanley Michuki said Kenyans should be offered an opportunity to review the document. 

“BBI belongs to the weakest and the strongest, the poorest and the richest. Saying no other proposal will be accommodated is wrong. The BBI and the process should be accommodative,” Bishop Michuki said. 

“How can this process be inclusive when we have no representation and you are not ready to hear our proposals and concerns despite the fact that we represent at least 18 million Pentecostal, evangelical and charismatics? We and our people need to be heard.”

KCCAM vice-chairman Stephen Mutua, said it is evident the BBI process has been passive and only focuses on areas that favour those tasked with its implementation. 

“We call upon stakeholders in the process to rejuvenate the faith of Kenyans by fully implementing the 2010 Constitution. This will be a guarantee to Kenyans that the proposed amendments under BBI will also be implemented,” he said.