NCCK wants all-inclusive dialogue on BBI proposals
Clement Kamau and George Kebaso
Protestant churches yesterday backed calls by the Deputy President William Ruto for consensus on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) bill before it is subjected to a referendum.
The churches under the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) demanded that an all inclusive dialogue, should be established to ensure that all concerns of Kenyans are taken into account so as to build consensus on the proposals.
NCCK General Secretary Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui said that it is not late to listen to the voices of Kenyans.
“ It is prudent to listen to all Kenyans because the document is being made to govern them.
A comprehensive civic education should be undertaken, to ensure that all Kenyans are aware of the contents of the document so that they can make informed choices.
Speaking at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, after a meeting of the executive committee of NCCK, Kinyanjui said that a national conference should be convened to build consensus on the proposed constitutional amendments.
Speaking separately at the Kijabe Cure Centre in Lari, during the official opening of an ICU facility, Ruto maintained that there is still time for the remaining contentious issues to be included in the document.
Without expounding, the Deputy President who seemed to tell critics asking him to take a definite side of either supporting or opposing the BBI proposals, said that it is never too late to do the right thing.
“I can see many people are anxious. Kenya is big enough for all of us. I want them to relax.
Let’s strive to do the right thing,” said the DP who was flanked by nominated MP David Ole Sankok, his Kikuyu counterpart Kimani Ichung’wa and former Lari MP Mburu Kahangara.
NCCK however differed with the DP’s proposal to hold the referendum and the 2022 general elections simultaneously saying that would confuse voters.
“I think holding the two exercises at the same time will be a rigorous event because the referendum has numerous issues which are contentious. Moreover, we should follow the referendum law and hear we ask Parliament to enlighten Kenyans on the matter,” said Kinyanjui.
