Uhuru Places His Bets on Orengo in BBI Suit

President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Siaya Senator James Orengo (right)
President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Siaya Senator James Orengo (right)
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President Uhuru Kenyatta has finally publicly spoken out over the push for constitutional amendments hit a roadblock after a five-bench High Court declared it null and void.

While addressing residents at Wagai market in Gem Constituency, Siaya, Uhuru expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved in a matter of time in the Court of Appeal.

"What is before us we will sort out, I am sure. If we have lawyers like Senator Orengo, can we be defeated really?" he posed.

He added that the BBI process was for the benefit of all Kenyans beyond his agreement with ODM leader Raila Odinga.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) arrived in Kisumu for a three-day working tour of Nyanza Region on May 30, 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) arrived in Kisumu for a three-day working tour of Nyanza Region on May 30, 2021.
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"BBI is not helping Raila and his family. BBI is not helping Uhuru. It is for bringing justice for every Kenyan. And that is what I am pleading with you, please come out and support it," he urged.

The Siaya Senator had been tapped to join the BBI defence team barely weeks after fallout with ODM leader Raila Odinga over some sections contained in the document.

Orengo openly defied Raila for his support of the addition of 70 new constituencies which are expected to expand the already stretched wage bill.

The two leaders held a meeting and shortly after, Orengo took to social media to affirm that his allegiance to his party leader was unshaken.

Others who are also likely to represent the president in the appeal are AG Paul Kihara, his predecessor Githu Muigai, former Presidential aspirant Paul Muite and Lawyer Paul Mwangi who is the head overseeing a team executing an appeal from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's front. 

On Thursday, May 27, Deputy President William Ruto advised the president to reach out to him and other leaders to discuss the way forward. 

He based his advice on a bible verse read by ODM leader Raila Odinga at a similar event in 2018. 

"So much happened but as we stand today, the Tanga Tanga tours are over and the reggae has also stopped. I think we have to listen and do something together. 

"Former Prime Minister (Raila Odinga) said something profound (in 2018). In fact, in a very uncharacteristic manner, he gave us a verse, Isaiah 1:18 that says 'come let us reason together. Maybe God is speaking to us again, telling us to reason together," Ruto stated during the National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament Buildings.

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President Uhuru Kenyatta greets DP William Ruto at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi County during the 18th Annual National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 27, 2021
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