BBI Discussion Revived

The faction of the Jubilee Party led by embattled Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni on Monday submitted a document raising issues that it wants to be addressed by the National Dialogue Committee.

During a public participation forum, the political outfit presented issues which almost mirror the provisions of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) which was thrown out by the courts.

Top of the issues that the Jubilee Party wants addressed is the ‘One Man One Shilling’ call which President William Ruto has successfully managed to stop Mt Kenya politicians from advancing, due to the political headache that might arise, including protests from marginalized areas in Kenya which might lose out if the proposal is implemented.

Before the BBI was thrown out, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Azimio leader Raila Odinga strongly advocated for the proposal saying it would enable every region in Kenya to get their fair share of the national cake.

The former ruling party has also asked for an electoral boundaries review which was also a proposal contained in the BBI final draft.

Under the boundaries review, the team stated that no constituency should be scrapped in subsequent border revision.

Jubilee is also fronting the creation of extra constitutional offices as envisaged by the BBI.

Apart from mirroring BBI proposals, the party also requested the National Dialogue Committee to discuss the plight of marginalised groups and communities in the country.

The party has also called for an end to harassment of politicians with a contrary view by the government, arbitrary arrests and the trend where flimsy charges are being preferred against politicians.

Speaking after Jubilee and other groups presented their petitions, the National Dialogue Committee co-chair Kalonzo Musyoka urged other Kenyans with issues they want addressed to present them to Bomas.

“As of yesterday, the National Dialogue Committee – through the Technical Committee – has received 142 Memorandas from stakeholders. We continue to be impressed by the level of public participation in the Bipartisan talks,” the former Vice President stated.

“We urge our fellow Kenyans to continue submitting their Memorandas so that every idea, concern or suggestion is included in the framed agendas.”

Even as this happens, the party is the subject of a bitter struggle between two factions claiming to legally own the party. One side is led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and embattled Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni.

The other is led by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega and former Murang’a Woman Representative  Sabina Chege who have both pledged loyalty to Kenya Kwanza.

Consequently, Kioni and his team now want the committee to put in place a framework which will prevent their party from being taken over by Kenya Kwanza.

The committee is made of 10 members drawn from Kenya Kwanza and Azimio and is co-chaired by Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.