The public was treated to political drama on Friday with Jubilee legislators clashing publicly over the way forward for the much publicized Building Bridges Initiative report in an ugly showdown.
First to find himself on the receiving end was Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria who stated that the report should head to parliament as it is needless to spend billions to take the document back to the public when they had already given their views on the same.
“It was just the other day we spent Sh500 million collecting views on the same initiative. Why would we again want to spend more on a referendum when we can easily get everything done through Parliament where we are the people’s representatives?” Kuria asked.
Gathoni Wamuchomba (L) and Moses Kuria(R)
Process to be left to these political thugs
The comments did not go down well with Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni wa Muchomba who dismissed Kuria’s proposal, claiming that MPs could not be trusted to undertake the process as they can be compromised and tering them political thugs.
“We cannot allow this process to be left to these political thugs and it should be left to the people who are supreme on matters Constitution,” asserted Wamuchomba.
Her remarks attracted the fury of MPs Gichimu Githinji (Gichugu) and Wangui Ngirichi (Kirinyaga Woman Rep) who came out guns blazing in defense of Kuria.
“By simply expressing our democratic rights to state how we feel the BBI should move, and supporting that it comes through Parliament, does not make us political thugs,” Ms Ngirichi said.
The legislators were speaking at a fundraiser organized by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I in attennance.
The event was marred by chaos after the crowd heckled nominated Senator Maina Kamanda for failing to recognize DP Ruto in his list of leaders.
His remarks that the region is keenly watching CS Matiang’I further angered the crowd.
“We have been observing how CS Matiang’i has been loyal to the president. Today he invited me here and I can say without a doubt that he is a man to watch.
“As the Kikuyu community, we can assure you that we are watching you. We always say that wise people take their time to observe and note things from afar. We are watching your steps,” remarked Kamanda amidst jeers from the crowd.
DP Ruto changes tune, agrees with Raila on fate of BBI report
In other related news, Deputy President William Ruto has welcomed proposal for a referendum for the Building Bridges Initiative report as championed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
DP Ruto whose camp had earlier on favored tabling the report in parliament made the hasty retreat yesterday (Friday) while addressing the public at a thanksgiving ceremony for nominated MP David Ole Sankok.
He however warned that the referendum would best be done after arriving at a consensus to avoid dividing the country.
“We have read it (report) and there are some parts of it that could be implemented through commissions, policies and if there shall be a referendum, then it would be best we develop a consensus so that the process does not become divisive,” said Dr Ruto.
