Ruto pledges to fight for BBI consensus
Deputy President William Ruto has said he will fight to ensure divergent views are incorporated into the BBI Bill so there is consensus.
There is no need for a divisive referendum and no rush to hold it, he said on Saturday.
Proponents should "go slow" and ensure the concerns from all quarters are factored in to any amendments to the Constitution, Ruto said.
He was speaking at Kimolwet in Sotik, Bomet, during the engagement ceremony of Alfred Ngeno, the son petroleum CAS John Mosonik, to his fiance Diana.
The DP expressed optimism a solution to the current impasse would be achieved and urged BBI opponents to be patient
The Deputy President read mischief in the rush to change the Constitution while there is major criticism and resentment.
He said he would fight to ensure the "hidden motives" of BBI protagonists are exposed and defeated.
"Don't worry about BBI matters, we will deal with them until we find a solution," he said. . ("Mambo ya BBI msikuwe na wasiwasi…hiyo tutanyoroshana nao mpaka tupate suluhisho.")
He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Charles Keter (Energy), Farida Karoney (Lands), Simeon Chelugui (Labour), John Munyes (Petroleum and Mining).
Also present were Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok, Senator Christopher Langat and MPs Dominic Koskei, Jackson Kiptanui and Joyce Korir and many MCAs.
He said consensus was achievable - and better than a referendum that divides the nation. He accused some leaders of ignoring other voices.
The DP said the problem ailing Kenya was not tribalism, as some individuals say, but the result of ignorant leaders trying to divide people by stirring up tribalism.
He said leaders are obliged to unite all Kenyans but not to isolate others as some are doing through BBI.
“We want to build bridges of unity, not what we are currently witnessing. We do not want people who are after their self-interests because they are sowing the seeds of discord," Ruto said.
Meanwhile, Chama Cha Mashinani party leader Isaac Rutto said the BBI referendum cannot be delayed.
He said Kenya is not willing to delay increased allocations to counties and create more constituencies.
Rutto spoke during a Kanu meeting in Bomet on Friday. It was attended by chairman Gideon Moi, who is the Baringo senator; Kanu secretary general Nick Salat and Knut boss Wilson Sossion, among others.

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