Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga in Naivasha have issued a bold statement declaring their support for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report.
In a statement issued by Siaya Senator James Orengo at the close of the 2-day retreat that saw Deputy President William Ruto’s allies locked out, the lawmakers maintained that BBI will ensure that all Kenyans have access to the country's shared prosperity.
“We have gathered here as Members of Parliament numbering nearly 300 from the National assembly and Senate to express our unequivocal support for the BBI,” the statement read in part.
The statement which was read in the presence of the two handshake brothers explained that shared prosperity means all communities in Kenya will be able to enjoy a share of national resources.
“One of the methods that this will be achieved is by increasing the minimum amount of shareable revenue to the Counties from 15 percent to 35 percent.
“These measures and numerous others will ensure that marginalized communities especially the pastoral communities are adequately resourced,” Senator Orengo said.
The legislator said BBI outlines measures to ensure women, the youth, and people living with disabilities participate in national leadership and decision-making.
“We have resolved to ensure gender equity is achieved by making specific provisions for it in the proposed Constitutional Bill,” he said.
The Senator said after their deliberations during the two-day retreat, the MPs are now ready to start popularizing the BBI report.
The event was snubbed by lawmakers allied to DP Ruto despite the leader of the majority in parliament, Amos Kimunya stating that all had been invited.
His Nyeri town counterpart Ngunjiri Wambugu however stated that organizers of the event had opted for two meetings, adding that a second consultative meeting would be held later one.
According to Wambugu, the second meeting will bring on board BBI critics and will be dependent on the availability of the president and Mr. Odinga.
