Raila Meets Central Leaders Ahead of Mega BBI Mt Kenya Event

ODM Party leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, January 23, met leaders from the Mt Kenya region in Nairobi to continue drumming up support for the Building Bridges Initiative.

In a live broadcast on Citizen TV, the former prime minister indicated that no amount of opposition would shoot down the BBI report.

The meeting took place in the wake of BBI consultative forums, with the region expected to host the event on February 18 in Meru County.

A past photo of ODM party leader Raila Odinga and Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru

“We saw it right to bring Kenyans together and make this country a better place to live in through the handshake. The BBI is there to cement the national cohesion,” remarked Odinga.

He also issued a warning to politicians who are using the BBI report as a tool for playing politics, cautioning that they were going against the will of the people.

“It is very misguided and unfortunate for anyone to think that they can sabotage the BBI exercise. 

“This is a people’s exercise and nothing can stop the train from moving in the direction expected. It will move on and we invite everyone to come on board,” remarked Odinga.

The former PM urged politicians to focus on the wellbeing of the nation rather than keeping an eye on the 2022 General Election.

“I have never said I want to be a president in 2022 or not. This is how misguided some of those politicians are.

“The BBI doesn’t even talk about the election in 2022. We don’t want to be part of the tension being created by some people in the country. I would ask the people to continually ignore such politicians,” added Odinga.

Speaking at the event, Nyeri Senator Ephraim Maina reaffirmed the region’s support for the report, indicating that it was a clear sign of peace for the nation.

“There is nothing to hide that the former prime minister and President Kenyatta are sharing something to take Kenya to the next stage. 

“Having a cup of tea with Raila is just a good sign that we also want to get more enlightenment,” remarked Maina.

Francis Atwoli (third right), Cleophas Malala (fourth right), Raila Odinga (fifth right), Wycliffe Oparanya (third left) and Eugene Wamalwa (second left) at Bukhungu Stadium on January 18

The senator also stated that the Central region was ready for the report’s adoption, stating that it would play a great role in ensuring a developing nation.

Other leaders present included Nyandarua Senator Mwangi Githiomi, Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata among others.