Raila Reassures Supporters That BBI Still On Course, Referendum First Agenda After COVID-19 Is Contained

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has assured his supporters that BBI is still on and referendum must conducted after the Corona Virus pandemic.

Raila said that the recommendations in the BBI must be made before 2022 for an efficient and credible election.

Raila was responding to many of his supporters who were that the BBI has lost focus since the COVID-19 hit the country.

“The journey towards a better Kenyan will continue after the COVID-19 Crisis, we must immediately have a referendum. So Kenyans should not be worried at all over this crisis, it will come and go.” Raila Said

BBI proponents had promised Kenyans a referendum this year to ratify public views obtained by the steering committee during rallies spearheaded by ODM leader Raila Odinga.

The current situation, however, is likely to interfere with the timelines and cause delays.

Already, a section of politicians and analysts say there is need for the steering committee to defer its work until a later date.

ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohamed had earlier told the Nation that the nine-point agenda contained in the joint communique by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Odinga, including a referendum, would be concluded in June this year.

On the other hand ODM Director of Political Affairs Opiyo Wandayi said that “where there is a will, there is a way. Since the country has identified BBI as the route to fix its governance, social and economic challenges, it must complete the journey, with or without coronavirus.

Moreover, public hearings and sensitization rallies are now over. What remains does not require large public gatherings. The BBI task force should work in the background to deliver on its mandate within the stipulated timeframe.”

Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata said the BBI timelines may have to be reset. “A referendum needs money. About Sh10 billion ought to be set aside for the exercise. The economy may go on recession so there will be no money for a referendum,” Mr Kang’ata said.