ODM calls for referendum on fate of BBI proposals

The Orange Democratic Movement yesterday maintained that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) taskforce report be subjected to a referendum.

Addressing a press conference after the party’s National Executive Committee and Parliamentary Group meeting, ODM leaders said Kenyans  must be involved in the process.

They said the implementation must not be left  to Parliament, which they said may be influenced by other forces.

ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna said the country should currently be debating what should be adopted, amended or discarded in the report.

“We urge that the BBI process remains people-driven as, ultimately, all the issues on the table are about the people,” he said. “People must be involved from conception to delivery. That is the position we have taken as a party.”

Party vision

Sifuna also defended ODM against claims that it pursued the BBI dream at the expense of the party vision.

According to him the party’s goals are consistent with those of the BBI adding that nations can only thrive well if parties and leaders pursue the good of the nation.

He added that the party had taken the decision to support the handshake and the BBI report because it has the interests of the nation are at stake. 

Sifuna also said  robust submissions have been made to expand BBI proposals to accommodate to women, persons with disabilities and youth.