Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga led a brigade of politicians to Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, Mombasa for the Building Bridges Initiative rally, as Deputy President William Ruto's allies graced the event on Saturday, January 25.
Ruto, however, on Thursday, January 23, declined to confirm whether he would attend the rally. Speaking with NTV's Ken Mijungu, Ruto argued that he would consult President Uhuru Kenyatta before making a decision.
Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen was offered a chance to speak to the crowd and he was applauded for recognising Odinga as 'Baba' and for asserting that BBI would be enacted through a referendum.
In this live blog, Kenyans.co.ke, provides you with the by-the-minute coverage of the event.
2:27 pm.: Raila Odinga spoke asserting that the crucial land issue in the Coast would be addressed.
"You heard someone (Ruto) say that I looked for him before reaching to Kenyatta. That's not true but it is also in the past. Right now we want to address critical issues like the Likoini Ferry Channel which has killed many," Odinga affirmed.
Odinga also wowed the crowd when entertained them by singing a well practised Swahili song to them. Joho also showcased dancing skills later as Odinga exited the stage.
2:20 pm.: Kalonzo Musyoka asserted that BBI would ensure IEBC are relieved off their duties.
2:07 pm.: Kipchumba Murkomen was lauded over his remarks.
"The BBI has brought us to that point where we no longer recognise each other as adversaries. The people of Kenya want problems solved. Whenever politicians address Kenyans and tell them that we have a problem, then who would solve the issues? We should bring report cards and show them what we have done," Murkomen who had earlier been heckled upon his entry asserted.
Murkomen also changed tune and stated that the referendum would be the way forward for the people of Kenya to pass the BBI. In 2019, he had strongly vouched for a parliamentary system.
"The people of Kenya do not oppose any of the recommendations, whether be it PM or deputy PM, for that we shall give them a referendum," he added.
2:03 pm.: Wetangula reiterated the need for a united Kenya.
"We want justice whenever there is an election and that is proposed in the BBI. We are against extra-judicial killings too," Wetangula stated.
1:50 pm.: Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru rallied for more inclusion of women in the BBI report.
1: 16 pm.: Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi read a 15 proposal document for the Coast people they hoped the BBI would adopt. The proposal was presented to Odinga.
"We had a meeting on Friday, January 24 and the Coast made the following resolution. We the people of the Coast region wish to join the people of Kenya in joining President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
The government should comprehensively address matters of land ownership, titling, transfer and management, acquisition, productivity to ensure utilisation through policies and programs by taking the buying land from absentee landlords and resettle affected coastal communities.
In the alternative, the constitution of Kenya should be amended to introduce a clause that would revolve all clause held by absentee landlords.
The Govt should also undertake the full implementation of TJRC and Ndung'u Commission report. It should also undertake a rapid result initiative to avert further land grabbing in this region.
Noting the economic crisis leading to severe unemployment in the Coast, it is a recommendation that all operation of ports should be undertaken in the port region.
The government should support the revival of defunct industries in this region. Coconut, cotton, cashew nut, rice and sugar must be classified and acknowledged as cash crops under the law.
Ensure equitable inclusion and presentation of the coastal people in the top government position in leadership and management of public institutions and organisations," part of the proposal read.
1:12 pm.: Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir argued that the BBI will be voted for by Kenyans.
"Whether you like it not, the BBI will go through a referendum," Nassir, Odinga's ally opined.
1:00 pm.: Raila Odinga arrives at Mama Ngina Waterfront Park.
12:50 pm.: Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper leader), Musalia Mudavadi (Amani National Congress) and Moses Wetangula (Ford-Kenya) arrive at the venue.
12: 30 pm.: Senate Majority Leader and DP Ruto's ally, Kipchumba Murkomen, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Nyali MP Mohammed Ali and his Malindi counterpart Aisha Jumwa arrive at the venue and are received by Joho.
"So far we arrived safely and the security is uptight. We laud the police and we look forward to a successful meeting. I appreciate I was given a seat and who I seat next too does not matter," Murkomen stated.
12:00 pm.: Photos surface of male governors and Raila Odinga wearing matching attire at Governor Hassan Joho's office.
11:30 am.: Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru, Jubilee Nominated MP Maina Kamanda and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko arrive at the venue.
11:10 am.: Attendees at the event speak on live TV urging the leaders to hold a peaceful rally.
10:45 am.: Machakos Senator Mutula Kilonzo with his Nairobi counterpart Johnson Sakaja land in Mombasa ready for the meeting.
10: 28 am.: Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu and Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo arrive at the event. The two leaders were embraced by the large crowd at the venue.
9:00 am.: The crowd starts streaming into the venue.
7:00 am.: Heavy police presence at the venue.
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