Uhuru Team Reveals Total BBI Signatures Collected

The team behind President Uhuru Kenyatta's Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) has revealed the total number of signatures it has collected in five days.

In a statement released on Monday, November 30, the team, co-chaired by Former Dagoretti MP Dennis Waweru and Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, indicated that it had collected a total of 1.5 million signatures.

The team further noted that it was aiming at closing Monday with over 2 million signatures collected, while targeting 4 million by end of the week.

"We are happy to report that the exercise has taken off well and is running smoothly. Kenyans have welcomed the bill with a lot of enthusiasm, and they are eager to support the envisaged referendum.

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed speaking during a press conference

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"As at the close of the day yesterday, 1.5 million registered voters had appended their signatures in support of the BBI and we have every reason to believe we will surpass two million by the end of today. We therefore project that we shall be done with the exercise by the end of the week and move to the next step," read the statement in part.

The team further appealed to those opposed to the proposal to read and understand the document before making a final decision.

"We appeal to the hardliners to take time and read the bill because when they do, they will realize it is a well thought out document that will change our county for the better.

"This document is not about Uhuru or Raila. It is about the prosperity and posterity of our great country," added the statement.

Several leaders have voiced their support for the drive including former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri who had earlier opposed it.

Deputy President William Ruto, on Saturday, November 27, also lessened his stand, explaining that he was open to consensus.

The DP, as a result, convened a crisis meeting with his allies after amendments were made to the proposals.

The DP is reported to have summoned 150 of his closest allies to a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 2.

Ruto has reportedly hired experts to break down the BBI amendments to his allies during the meeting.

The move comes after it was revealed that some of his team members were open to a consensus regarding the BBI, while another faction was totally opposed to the controversial document.

Deputy President Ruto addressing a crowd in Nyeri County on October 30, 2020.

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