Ruto's Statement on BBI Leaves More Questions Than Answers

DP William Ruto address at Gusii Stadium, Kisii County on October 20, 2020.
DP William Ruto address at Gusii Stadium, Kisii County on October 20, 2020.
PSCU

Deputy President William Ruto and his allies on Wednesday, December 2, failed to make a much-awaited decisive position on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) referendum process. 

Speaking from his Karen residence during a highly anticipated speech, the DP did not give a firm stance on whether he would support the yes or no option in the referendum process. 

Ruto supported part of the BBI proposals while criticised others. He called for consensus on the process - raising questions on whether there was a possibility of amending a document that has reportedly received the one million signatures required to proceed to the ballot. 

DP William Ruto (left) with Senator Linturi and MP Aden Duale on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.
DP William Ruto (left) with Senator Linturi and MP Aden Duale on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.
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"I am aware that many people want us to take a position on the BBI, and I want to tell you that where we are now is a point that requires a lot of thinking and consultation so that we can be able to engage with the rest of the process in a way that is informed," the DP stated. 

He further argued that even if there were consensus and the outstanding issues were resolved, the country was in the middle of a pandemic, hence, funds earmarked for the referendum should be re-directed to covid-19 mitigation measures and supporting the recovery of micro and small enterprises. 

The DP advocated for the final vote to be held alongside the 2022 general election scheduled for August 2022. 

"The referendum question can be included in the general election as the 7th question. We recommend that we have the referendum at the general elections and this will be at no extra cost for the IEBC," the DP stated.

The DP stated that he was not making any demands, rather, that the document could be amended further.

"In short, we must agree on the what, the when and how, the consensus is to align the process and bring it closer to the dreams and aspirations of Kenyans," reads the statement.

The fate of the proposals remains unclear as President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga have already given specific guidelines on the road to the referendum which is expected to be held between April 4th and June 4th. 

The DP stated that the team had taken stock of the journey that had been taken since March 18, when the handshake between the two leaders took place.

"The issues and concerns of ordinary people have found their way to the main table and are part of the national conversation. This is as ought to be and become the basis of all meaningful deliberations going forward," reads the statement.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa speaking during a meeting held at DP Ruto's home in Karen on Wednesday, December 2
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa speaking during a meeting held at DP Ruto's home in Karen on Wednesday, December 2
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In his closing remarks, the DP urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission not to be politicised, rather remain independent in its judgement.

"We know there is a way we can make this referendum a win-win. A way in which we can accommodate everybody. A way we can remove this referendum from being win-lose.

"Let us make the referendum much more progressive....It was okay to vote no-yes in the last constitution because we were enacting a new constitution but now, we are only voting for articles of the constitution," he stated.