The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) committee formed to formulate various recommendations after the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga will hand over their report to the president on Tuesday, November 26.
Addressing the media November 22, the committee chaired by Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji, pointed out that the committee had finalized putting together opinions from various stakeholders that helped them to compile the final report.
“We are immensely gratified by how the Kenyan people responded to our calls for participation. The face of Kenya was captured with at least 7,000 citizens from all ethnic groups, gender, cultural and religious practices, and different social and economic sectors coming forward eager to tell of their experiences and solutions to our pressing national challenges,” a statement by the chairman read.
“All the 47 counties were visited and forums held in them. The task force also heard from more than 400 elected leaders, present and past, prominent local voices from the community and youths who added their voice to other citizens. We also heard from 123 individuals representing major institutions, including constitutional bodies and major stakeholders in the civil and private sector spaces,” the statement added
Senator Haji further stated that the committee received and considered more information submitted to them via emails and as hard copies from interested Kenyans ensuring that all were put into consideration.
Further, the committee cautioned Kenyans on false information being relayed to them and not emanating from the committee, insisting that the committee would provide enough information before and after the presentation.
“These misrepresentations are designed to sow confusion and divisions among Kenyans, at a time when there is a strong national consensus on the need for cohesion, honesty, and ambition to change our country for the better,” the statement reads.
“We urge members of the press and the public to get in touch with us to confirm the veracity of reports, letters and press releases claiming to be from BBI taskforce,” added the chairman.
The BBI committee initiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM party leader Raila Odinga was officially gazetted on May 31, 2018, where it was supposed to table a report after one year of service.
That came in the wake of post-election bad blood that was tearing the nation apart.
Members appointed to the committee include Chairman Senator Yusuf Haji, Adams Oloo, Senator Amos Wako, Agnes Kavindu, Florence Omose, Saeed Mwanguni, James Matundura, Major John Seii, Bishop Lawi Imathiu, Maison Leshomo, Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji, Morompi ole Ronkai Prof., Bishop Peter Njenga, Rose Moseu, Archbishop Zecheus Okot to operationalise their reconciliation.
The task force's joint secretaries are Amb. Martin Kimani and ODM lawyer Paul Mwangi .
