• ODM leader attended the party's NEC meeting in Machakos.
• Raila says those opposed to the BBI have always opposed Kenya's progress.
Image: JACK OWUOR
Opposition Chief Raila Odinga on Friday revealed that the BBI report will soon be unveiled and promised a ruthless political battle against those opposed to the initiative.
In what appeared as a jibe against Deputy President William Ruto and his allies, Raila said the voices of impunity that thrive on corruption and outright lies have already lined up against the report.
Ruto has indicated that he will oppose changes to the Constitution if recommended by the BBI report.
Raila urged ODM officials to get ready to take the battle to a group he described as “anti-reform elements”, whom he said are lining up to stop the nation from moving forward. He spoke in Machakos during an ODM National Executive Committee meeting.
The former Prime Minister said ODM is headed for a titanic clash with the corrupt whom he did not name.
In a blistering attack, Raila said the group has no conscience, no ideals and no principles that they are ready and willing to live and even die for.
“They have always benefitted from the fruits of what they opposed and they see no contradiction,” Raila stated.
“In the months ahead, we are going into a confrontation with the beneficiaries of proceeds of corruption who are arraigned against our agenda for a radical socioeconomic transformation, jobs creation and equitable distribution of prosperity,” Raila said.
According to the ODM leader, those opposed to the BBI report are the same forces that have often opposed change in Kenya.
“In the middle of uncertainties, we, as a country, are also keen to complete the reform agenda that we embarked on from March 2018 through the Handshake and the Building Bridges Initiative. The BBI report is around the corner.”
In a blistering attack, Raila said the group has no conscience, no ideals and no principles that they are ready and willing to live and even die for.
“They have always benefitted from the fruits of what they opposed and they see no contradiction,” Raila stated.
He went on: “These anti-reform forces are not new. They are the same ones that opposed a return to multiparty democracy, the same ones who opposed the push for constitutional reforms in the 1990s, the same ones who opposed the new Constitution in 2010, the same ones who opposed the unity of purpose between President Uhuru Kenyatta and myself, the same ones who are opposing the war on corruption now.”
In apparent reference to the 2010 referendum which Ruto teamed up with the church to oppose, Raila said they have defeated the anti-reform agents before.
“I promise you, we will defeat them again,” he affirmed.
Raila recalled the BBI nine-point agenda and wondered why anybody would seek to stop what would benefit Kenyans.
“We are talking about how to grow the national cake so we can have prosperity to share, how to make our elections peaceful and democratic, how to strengthen devolution, how to ensure safety and security for all our citizens,” the ODM leader said.
“We are talking about how to end corruption, which has crippled this country but continues to be the lifeblood of those opposing change today as they have done in the past.”
Raila said those opposed to the BBI should be ready to state what they stand for, what they want for the country and how they intend to achieve it.
“We must challenge our opponents to tell the nation why they oppose efforts to ensure shared prosperity, end corruption, end divisive elections and strengthen devolution. What is their alternative to these proposed reforms?” he said.