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Bernard Gitau @benagitau

Mixed reactions greeted the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report which was handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila  Odinga at the Kisii State Lodge, yesterday. 

Deputy President William Ruto who skipped the function repeated his assertions during the Mashujaa Day celebrations that discussions on the report should involve all Kenyans and not selected few.

“If we are genuine about having consensus on a new Constitution, we must stop this reggae bravado,” he said.

Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, a staunch ally of the DP laughed off the report saying it was going to double the size of the current Parliament.

He claimed the proposals in the report were aimed at rewarding ethnic chiefs from the five biggest communities.   

“Equally, it is the leaders and not the masses who are obsessed with this Prime Minister thing,” he said.

Kindiki said the recommendations in the report can easily be achieved through implementation of a single article in the Constitution; Article 10 on National Values and Principles of Governance.

 Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said the county had formed a committee of experts and lawyers to analyse the report so that the devolved unit can give its verdict. He noted the report brings about inclusivity which will end perennial conflicts. 

“Nakuru has for a long time seen recurrent violence, and this can be addressed by bringing all people on board, that is what the BBI will do,” said Kinyanjui. 

On his part, Principal Secretary State Department of Housing Charles Hinga called on Kenyans to fully read and understand the report.

He noted the report is citizen-based, adding that the President wishes well for the country in launching the same. 

“We need to read the report with an open mind before opposing the same,” he added. 

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen said the document is hell-bent to create more political positions.

“I have read the proposed BBI Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and it’s a total sum of all the parochial attitudes and behaviours of politicians creating positions for themselves at the top. President, his deputy, PM and two deputiess, 94 senators and 360 MPs,” he tweeted.

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, who is a close ally of Ruto, was the first to throw salvo at the document, terming it another attempt by Raila to launch his presidential campaign.

“To the visitors to Kenya, please do note that this is not the first, second or even the third attempt by Raila to launch a presidential bid in the pretext of a constitutional moment,” he tweeted.

Embattled Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko claimed he now supports the BBI report after the city county was not taken back to the national government management.

“Haki ya mungu, dissolving Nairobi was never going to sail through. At least now we can close our eyes and support,” he said.

Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina also faulted the report saying it has weakened the Senate.

“Everyone talked about having a strong Senate, this time we must read the recommendations and amend them in Parliament to represent the will of the people,” he said.

The report will be unveiled at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi on Monday.

“This is the day that many people have been waiting for. We now have a report that people can talk about it,” Raila said.