Raila tours Taita Taveta, reiterates BBI unstoppable
By Reuben Mwambingu, September 10, 2020
Reuben Mwambingu @reubenmwambingu
ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday addressed a rally in Taita Taveta County where he reiterated that the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is unstoppable.
He called on Kenyans to rally their support in favour of the BBI, saying the document will be the answer to cancer of ethnicity in the country.
Through inclusive leadership, Raila noted that the BBI will ensure that Kenyans enjoy the fruits of “proper governance.”
While noting good governance is an important ingredient to prosperity at both county and national levels, the ODM leader regretted that corruption and tribalism still hold the country hostage, decades after independence.
“There are individuals siphoning money from public coffers. However, we will put them into account and the stolen money will be channeled back to public reserves,” Raila said while addressing residents in Mghange area of Wundanyi Constituency.
Election cycle
He has promised to work with Governor Granton Samboja to ensure that Taita Taveta is among the most prosperous counties.
Speaking in Mwakishimba, the ODM leader stated that BBI targets to root out ethnicity permanently and appealed for 100 per cent support from Kenyans.
“Ethnicity is often attributed as a factor accelerating post election violence. It is not right for blood to be shed every election cycle.
Through BBI, we will reach Canaan, the proverbial land of milk and honey,” he said.
He told Taita Taveta County residents that the BBI document would enable more funds to flow at grassroot levels, while further calling for devolved services like health, water and agriculture to receive higher funds allocation.
“ When these amounts reach the counties, people will be able to have a first hand feel in the development arena,” Raila advised.
He added that the Sh316billion is being distributed to the 47 counties is a relatively small amount, hence the need for more funds to be allocated towards development at county levels.
Governor Samboja welcomed Raila’s sentiments while calling on Taita Taveta residents to embrace BBI.
Samboja promised to join hands with Raila and Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta for the sake of development.