BBI REPORT

Don't hijack BBI, Bishop Welby and Ole Sapit tell politicians

They said unity of the country was more important than scoring political goals.

In Summary

• Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said that the initial benefit of the document might be lost if it is turned to political rallies.

• Archbishop Welby said he had taken note of the BBI's objective of finding solutions to Kenyans problem.

Canterbury Archbishop Justin Welby and Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit during a courtesy call on the Deputy President William Ruto at his Harambee Annex office, Nairobi, January 21, 2020.
Canterbury Archbishop Justin Welby and Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit during a courtesy call on the Deputy President William Ruto at his Harambee Annex office, Nairobi, January 21, 2020.
Image: DPPS

Canterbury Archbishop Justin Welby and Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit have urged politicians not to hijack the Building Bridges Initiative for selfish gain.

The two said that the views of all Kenyans irrespective of their standing in society must be heard.

Archbishop Welby said he had taken note of the BBI's objective of finding solutions to Kenyans' problems.

"Allow everyone to be heard in the process. It should not be mostly leaders bringing up an idea. This is a problem we face throughout the world. I find it easier to allow all shades of opinions," Welby said.

The two spoke on Tuesday during a courtesy call to Deputy President William Ruto at his Harambee Annex office in Nairobi.

Welby added that he was fascinated with the report because it sets out to address social-economic problems facing Kenyans.

He added that tribalism and creating a new culture and a new agenda for the country are good for the people.

The two also said the unity of the country was more important than scoring political goals.

Sapit said that the initial benefit of the document might be lost if it is turned to political rallies.

"If it becomes a political rallies' document, we lose it. We should have a people-centered approach," Ole Sapit said.

He added that it is evident that deviation has already been created from its original purpose.

Ruto said all Kenyans should be allowed to participate and give their views to enrich the document, asking the politicians to consider Kenyans' views.

The DP added that different views on the BBI report do not constitute opposition to the report.

“There is a temptation to think that a different or contrary view is opposition. I believe accommodating alternative views allows an all-inclusive process that enriches the document," Ruto said.


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