Raila Odinga led a number of politicians at the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) rally at Kinoru Stadium, Meru County on Saturday, February 29, as Deputy President William Ruto skipped the rally.
Odinga, for the first time since the BBI rallies commenced, failed to address the crowd after his voice went hoarse. He also had to maintain his calm as Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen took a swipe at him. Murkomen and Gatundu South MP, Moses Kuria, later walked out of the rally.
"Kenyatta is a legitimate president and not a kifaranga cha computer (computer-generated president). Leaders should not lie to Kenyans, let us work to create a united Kenyan," Murkomen stated.
In this live blog, Kenyans.co.ke gave you an update on the proceedings of the meeting.
4:00 p.m. The rally ends with Raila Odinga's trademarK BBI song, Nobody Can Stop Reggae.
3:50 p.m. KANU leader Gideon Moi addresses the crowd, thanks them for supporting the Mzee Daniel arap Moi's family after the second president passed away. Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula also address the crowd.
"Thank you for standing with us. Please listen to what President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga tell you. The leaders who are here are a sure bet for future leadership," Gideon stated.
3:00 p.m. Raila Odinga addresses the crowd, with a hoarse voice, invites David Murathe, former Jubilee vice-chairman who takes a swipe at Ruto.
"Uhuru won't let a thief take over the government. CS Tuju will also come back home on Wednesday, February 26," Murathe stated.
2:50 p.m. Agriculture CS Peter Munya addresses the crowd, lauds President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga's unity.
2:20 p.m. Kipchumba Murkomen and Moses Kuria walk out of the rally after being denied seats for arriving late.
1:50 p.m. Murkomen addresses the crowd, lauding Meru for voting in President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto in 2017. He also took a swipe at Odinga, as the crowd cheered him on.
Video: Murkomen and Kuria Walk Out of Rally
1:00 p.m. Joshua Kutuny, Cheragany MP and Meru Senator Mithika Linturi address the crowd, recognising the presence of other political leaders such as Moses Kuria and Kipchumba Murkomen.
12:45 p.m. Presentations by over 10 counties in Mt Kenya region are presented to Raila Odinga and BBI taskforce.
Presentations were as follows, as read by Nyandarua Governor, Francis Kimemia.
Allocation of at least 30 per cent to support Agricultural produce. Full implementation of equitable National resource based on one person one vote one shilling. Creation of Mt Kenya Development Authority, Creation of a County Ward Development Fund, 50 per cent of MCAs seats to be allocated to the youth. 2/3 gender rule was also recommended. No Kenyan be victimised as they seek prosperity.
12:07 p.m. National Anthem is sung in Meru language as the meeting commences.
12:00 P.m. Raila Odinga and KANU leader Gideon Moi arrive at the venue dressed in traditional regalia.
11:00 a.m. Videos of passengers in a bus lamenting that they were paid Ksh 500 only to attend the meeting surface. They alleged that they were promised more to attend the rally. The passengers claimed that they had been ferried from Nyandaua, Murang'a and Tharaka Nithi Counties.
On Saturday, February 29, several reports surfaced alleging that delegates being ferried to attend the meeting had raised concerns over the amount of money they were paid. A number lamented that they had been promised between Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 10,000 but were only paid Ksh 500.
"What I have heard is that the money was pocketed by regional commissioners, county commanders, local MPS all the way down to the chiefs," Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria informed Kenyans.co.ke.
"What happened to the Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 10,000 given to per person depending on where they were coming from? Watu wapewe haki yao (Let the people enjoy their right)," Dennis Itumbi posted on Facebook.
10:00 a.m. ODM leader Raila Odinga is seen preparing to leave for the meeting.
9:00 a.m. Senate Majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria share a photo of them aboard a helicopter towards BBI rally.
8:00 a.m. Crowd streams into the venue.
Videos above courtesy of Citizen TV.
