Ruto misses BBI signature collection launch at KICC

Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday was conspicuously missing during Wednesday's BBI signature collection launch at the KICC.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga presided over the event.

The President said the handshake afforded everyone an opportunity to identify the practical solutions that would strengthen unity, inclusivity and equity in governance.

“The BBI was basically a vehicle for us to have a national conversation on the recession. For the last two years BBI provided an opportunity for Kenyans to see what was on their mind and to provide ideas that could be effected to solve Kenya's most intractable problems,” he said.

Uhuru said the BBI bill is not however seeking to replace the current constitution as it has been said.

Raila reiterated the role of the BBI in improving Kenya's governance.

The ODM leader said that the issues touching on the common Kenyans such as the economy and unemployment can be achieved through legislation and policy.

He urged Kenyans to turn out in numbers to append their signatures on the document.

Photos by Fredrick Omondi

Interior CS Fred Matiangi, Governors Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Kitui's Charity Ngilu, Kirinyaga's Anne Waiguru, Narok's Samuel Tunai, Kisumu's Anyang Nyongó and Kiambu's James Nyoro are among those present at the KICC.

Others are Samburu's Moses Lenolkulal, Trans Nzoia's Patrick Khaemba, Homa Bays Cyprian Awiti, Kisii's James Ongwae, Elgeyo Marakwet Alex Tolgos, Bungoma's Wycliffe Wangamati, Machakos Alfred Mutua, Vihiga's Wilberforce Otichilo, Garissa's Ali Korane, Wajir's Mohamed Abdi Muhamed and West Pokot's John Lonyangapuo.

Photos by Fredrick Omondi

Also present are Nyamira county's John Nyagarama,  Muranga's Mwangi wa Iria, and Nyeri's Mutahi Kahiga. 

Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula, Senate Majority leader Samuel Pogishio, speakers of the two houses, Babu Owino,  Amos Kimunya, Kanini Kega, Ngunjiri wambugu, Roza Buyu, Cate Waruguru, Gideon Moi and Agnes Zani are among the politicians allied to the Kieleweke faction present.

Photos by Fredrick Omondi

Others are Fatma Gedi, Antony Oluoch, Junet Mohamed, Adan Keynan, Amos Wako and Athanas Wamunyinyi.

The BBI secretariat co-chaired by Suna East MP Junet Mohamed (National Assembly Minority Whip) and former Dagoretti South MP Dennis Waweru said they intend to get one million signatures within seven days.

Junet said the bill was ready for publication by the government printer, after which copies would be distributed to the public to keep them abreast of the proposals.

More: