President Uhuru Kenyatta has accused the Judiciary of delivering a misguided judgment by declaring the Building Bridges Initiative unconstitutional and illegal.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Monday, August 23, the Head of State accused the Court of Appeal of acting in bad faith by upholding the High Court ruling that had declared BBI null and void.
In a 1088-page judgment delivered by a seven-judge bench of the Appellate Court led by its President, Justice Daniel Musinga, the court ruled that the BBI promoters disregarded the law and constitutionalism.
In his remarks, the Head of State lamented that a section of politicians had intentionally organised to oppose the BBI and poison the people against it.
“I was keen on the project. Unfortunately, the court made its ruling and I believe they were highly misguided. We have politicians focusing on short term political gains and they deviated (from the national agenda) and made BBI an issue of competition. I don't know why," said the President.
“They kept on saying that BBI was meant to propel Raila to the Presidency. Raila declared his candidacy with or without BBI. He is on the ticket. It has nothing to do with his candidacy.”
He further argued that the initiative was meant to foster peace and posterity and unite Kenyans, rather than secure elective seats for politicians.
“BBI has no clause that says the incumbent President will continue for ten years,” the President reiterated that the mass had been made to turn against the project and his administration over claims that he would not leave power when his term expires in 2022.
However, he added that he respected the court’s decision and the loss was not a personal one.
The President also addressed reports that the 2022 General Election may be postponed following endless calls by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, to push the polls forward in order to allow the BBI proponents to re-organise themselves.
“I have not heard of such discussions and I have no comments on it. How many times should I tell you that I am grateful to the people of Kenya for the chance they have given me to serve?"
“I am more than happy to serve my time and finish my program, bring the people together and ensure we have a peaceful stable united country,” he stated.
Nonetheless, he cautioned that the Court of Appeal ruling declaring that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) lacked the quorum to conduct elections may jeopardise the 2022 race.
“In fact, if what the court ruled on BBI is anything to go by, then we cannot have the General Election owing to the IEBC composition. I do not want to comment on that. Let us wait and see what unfolds. I am ready for the election at the prescribed time as I have said several times," he added.
“So that is all I have to say on the issue - I am working on that election and transition schedule.”
