Raila Reacts to Ruto's U-Turn on BBI

President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) with Deputy President William Ruto (left) and Opposition leader Raila Odinga during the launch of the BBI report at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi on November 27.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (centre) with Deputy President William Ruto (left) and Opposition leader Raila Odinga at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has reacted to Deputy President William Ruto's change of heart in matters Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

On Saturday, November 28, the DP doubled down on his apparent u-turn stating that his growing support for various sections of the BBI process was based on his job description as the second in command.

Raila dismissed the DP's stand as insincere in an interview with Sunday Nation, November 29, adding that there was nothing like uncontested referendum.

He further likened Ruto's current mind-shifts to the events preceding the promulgation of the 2010 constitution where he (Ruto) opposed the then new constitution.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto share a light moment at State House Nairobi
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto share a light moment at State House Nairobi
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"He is following his 2010 script when he signed the Naivasha Declaration only to turn around and campaign for 'No'.

"We ended up with a contested referendum but still won. That's his nature, but it is his democratic right to oppose," stated the former Prime Minister.

He further noted that the DP had a chance to give his views in the proposal arguing that there would be no need for a referendum if it is uncontested.

"He had a chance to give his views to the task force to be captured in the final report but he squandered it.

"Those having a change of mind, like Ruto, are welcome to join. They say if you can't  beat them, join them," added the former Prime Minister.

In his statement, the DP had argued that he had a constitutional duty to support the Head of State with the goal being to get a consensus for Kenyans to have real choices to decide on.

"I have a constitutional duty to assist my boss, the President. We have made improvements to BBI report after the Bomas event.

"We need to avoid yes/no, all/nothing division. We avoided lose-lose we can overcome win-lose to achieve win-win," Ruto stated.

President Uhuru Kenyatta signing the BBI report at KICC on November 22, 2020.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta signing the BBI report at KICC on November 22, 2020.
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