US envoy cautions politicians against hijacking BBI report
US ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter has cautioned politicians against hijacking the Building Bridges Initiative.
McCarter challenged Kenyans to take up discussion of the BBI report and have their say in the process of creating a united country.
He expressed his disappointment at what he said was politicians who had hijacked the process for their own interests instead of allowing Kenyans to deliberate on it.
The envoy said Kenyans are the ones who should decide how they want to be governed and as such, the political class should allow them to own the process and deliberate on key issues they want changed.
Speaking to the press after paying a courtesy call on Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok in his office, the envoy said his government will not take any side in the process but will only seek to promote a discussion by the citizens.
Hail envoy
“We will not take any side on this. We want the people to be given a chance to deliberate about this BBI…if people are given that opportunity the country will progress well, politicians should not be the ones deciding for them,” he said.
Throwing his weight behind BBI, McCarter said it was the only available opportunity for Kenyans to make decisions on the direction they want their country to take.
McCarter, who was accompanied by the governor, also made a visit to Tenwek Mission Hospital.
Utilised prudently
Barchok expressed his commitment towards fighting corruption in the county, saying with the efforts and mechanisms put in place by his administration the county has recorded a reduction in bribery index to eight per cent and which he said had helped restore confidence among residents.
He also hailed the envoy for the support the US government has continued to offer the county in various sectors which include health and water assuring him that all funds will be prudently utilised on intended purposes.
