Deputy President William Ruto, on Wednesday, October 21, made an impassioned speech regarding the BBI report that was handed to President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier on in the day.
Speaking at the burial of the late Huruma MCA Peter Chomba, who died from Covid-19 complications, the DP stated that he was willing to engage the BBI proponents in conversation provided they meet certain conditions.
"Saa zile tunaongea mambo ya prime minister, lazima tuongee mambo ya boda boda, kazi ni kazi. (When we are talking about the office of the Prime Minister, we must also talk about boda boda operators, both are jobs that need to be respected) If they are serious about having a dialogue on the BBI then I am ready," he stated at the ceremony held in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County.
In addition, the country's second in command alluded to underhand tactics being used to propel the BBI agenda, "threats and blackmail will not be entertained," he posited.
He went on to give a staunch defence of his wheelbarrow and handcart donations, maintaining that those blasting him for his initiative as hypocrites.
"If you find a country where a wheelbarrow becomes part of national conversation, then you know there is a serious issue. I am not a mad man nor a drunkard. There is an issue that needs to be addressed, we can no longer live in denial. We need to talk, this must be addressed," he asserted.
He also took a swipe at his political rival and ODM party leader Raila Odinga, who had come out with a statement daring the DP to give out his helicopter as opposed to wheelbarrow.
"Naskia wako na shida na mimi kupeana wheelbarrows na piki piki, (I have heard that 'they' have an issue with my wheelbarrow and motorcyle donations), yet they are the same leaders giving out Ksh50 hand outs during election time. Kichwa yao iko sawa kweli (are they okay in the head)," he questioned.
The Jubilee Party Deputy Leader also announced that his calls for a dialogue were backed by his realization that the country was comprised of a majority of people living in abject poverty whose voices were being muffled by the "BBI reggae drums".
On his part, President Uhuru announced that there would be an event at the Bomas of Kenya on on Monday, October 26, where the report will be launched and a breakdown of the proposal conducted.
He further urged Kenyans to read the proposals which have now been made public and appealed to leaders not to use the document to divide Kenyans.
