Politics of Building Bridges Initiative took centre-stage during the burial service for the late Edith Wanjiku Ngunjiri (Mother to Bahati MP Onesmus Kimani Ngunjiri).
Addressing mourners at the St.Michael Catholic Church in Kiamaina, Bahati sub county of Nakuru, Deputy President William Ruto calling on the need for BBI to accommodate everyone.
The DP who has in the past had reservations on the BBI process now says there is room for accommodation of all views to ensure a win-win situation.
He told off a section of leaders whom he said their focus is to see a divided country towards 2022 succession politics.
“On BBI, we need to accept to accommodate one another so that we have a win-win situation. There are individuals whose focus is on dividing but that is not welcome in Kenya at this moment” he said.
Ruto once again revealing that there might be differences between him and other politicians but the focus should be on the much that unites the country.
The DP reiterating that there was no room for politics of division in Rift valley and Kenya adding that peaceful co-existence is a personal responsibility.
He urged communities in Riftvalley to ensure peaceful coexistence adding that the peace is not brought about by police officers or government but individuals.
While noting that electorates have a great role to transform the society, the DP urged Kenyans to shun leaders with record of politics of divisions, hate and tribalism adding that they have no space to lead in any office.
“Kenyans have decided to ensure peace in Riftvalley and Kenya as a whole and no one in Rift valley will be threatened. The focus should be on how to eradicate poverty and ensure development and uplifting the lives of Kenyans” said Ruto.
Siumilar sentiments echoed by Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika who is also a close ally of DP William Ruto.
Kihika adding that as leaders in Riftvalley they will not allow anything to mess up the prevailing peace.
“We cannot allow anything to come between the peace we have in this region. It’s better we lose seats but peace to prevail” said Kihika.
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui on his part calling on all leaders in Nakuru, Riftvalley and Kenya as a whole to put aside their political differences and focus on building peace.
Kinyanjui revealed that he supports the BBI process due to fact that it will see more allocation to agriculture (Backbone of Nakuru’s Economy) as well as the expanded executive to accommodate everyone.
“We might differ politically but that should not make us loose our focus. We as leaders we are focused on the future to ensure cohesiveness. No nation is without blame. But that should inform our tomorrow.
Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri said he will continue with peace work in memory of his mother who was always advocating for peace.
He urged to emulate the same and be peace ambassadors adding that on the issue of BBI there is still opportunity for Kenyans to make their way.
“My mother was a peace ambassador and in her spirit even in politics we should love each other. I will stand with DP Ruto till the end. The Riftvalley Region leaders let us ensure peace.
Other leaders who addressed included MPs Martha Wangari(Gilgil), Janet Sitienei(Turbo),Charity Kathambi(Njoro),Kuria Kimani(Molo),Oscar Sudi(Kapseret),Rahab Mukami(Nyeri),Caleb Kositany(Soy), Rigathi Gachagua(Mathira) and David Gikaria(Nakuru East) among others.
The leaders stating that BBI should not be a reason for a divided country but rather it should be a unifying factor.
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