Ruto asks for a decent debate on BBI report

Deputy President William Ruto has asked  the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report proponents to tone down their threats and allow Kenyans to have a decent debate on the document.

Dr Ruto said there was need for leaders opposed to changes on the document to soften their stance so as to reach at a consensus instead of subjecting Kenyans to an expensive referendum.

Speaking at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Munyange Parish in Othaya, Nyeri County on Sunday, Dr Ruto said consensus remains key to a united country on the BBI issue.

“We don’t want competition but agreement. We want unity and not division. We must discourage a us versus them situation on the BBI report,’ said Dr Ruto.

He urged leaders to stop using BBI as an avenue to divide Kenyans.

“I want to ask leaders to engage in sober and decent debate so as to unite the country,” he said.

Present were MPs Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nithi), Beatrice Nkatha (Tharaka Nithi), Kareke

Mbiuki (Maara), Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri), Patrick Munene (Chuka), Kimani Ichung’wah

(Kikuyu), Moses Kuria (Gatundu South), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Alice Wahome (Kandara) and Faith Gitau (Nyandarua). Others were Dr. Kanyuithia Mutunga (Tigania West), Victor Munyaka (Machakos Town),

Gichangi Mugambi (Othaya),  Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), James Wamacukuru (Kabete), Rahab Mukami (Nyeri), Gichunge Kabeabea (Tigania East), Purity Ngirici (Kirinyaga) ,  Eric Muchangi (Runyejes) and Rehema Hassan (Tana River).

Dr Ruto said politicians should allow Kenyans to vet the BBI document and identify proposals that were omitted by the steering committee during their public forums.

He said it would be unfair if politicians ignore the proposals made by ordinary citizens aimed at addressing the social economic challenges they face.

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