Rift valley Region has submitted 667,700 signatures collected during the one week Building Bridges Initiative Signatures collection drive.
Speaking on Thursday afternoon during the event to receive the signatures from various regional leaders, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui said constitutional reforms are a process within time frame adding that Kenyans should always work within the same.
Kinyanjui noted that the lines are drawn and Kenyans should be either in the YES or NO side of the process.
He was however quick to note that that both sides will be winners as per the democracy in the country.
In what was seen as an attack on those trying to oppose the process, Kinyanjui stated that leaders should come out clear on whether they support or not.
“You cannot be a yes with a BUT. We need to move in one direction as country to unite Kenyans” he said.
Kinyanjui once again hit out at those raising concern of the expensiveness of the process.
He cited that the problems that have been there in relation to general elections leading to expensive process of settling even the IDPs cannot be addressed through BBI.
“The question of expenses of the process might be true but the problems that come with elections are more expensive such as addressing IDPs and that is why we are looking at reforms that can address such issues once to avert disrupting economy” he said.
The county boss also calling on the need to for more civic forums on BBI to avert misinformation that is in public domain.
“As a region we have embarked on the process civic education and we shall work with all leaders including religious leaders so we address the same.
Former Bomet Governor Isaack Rutto who graced the occasion also drumming his support for the process.
He stated, “I am one of those who believe in the spirit of Building Bridges Initiative. We must build Bridges where there have been grievances. We usher in a new era where political contestants do not endanger the lives of Kenyans. As a region we need BBI like no any other region. We don’t want to go back to where we were in 2007/08.”
Rutto who is also the Chama Cha Mashinani Party leader added that BBI will ensure inclusivity through political parties negotiation to ensure there is no situation where a winner takes it all.
While commending President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for coming up with the initiative, he reiterated that CCM party is in full support of the BBI because of the aspect of development through more allocation to counties.
“Devolution is key in this country and never again shall the counties go without salaries as that has been addressed in the BBI” he said.
The former Bomet Governor also hitting out at those opposing the BBI terming them as enemies of peace and development.
Sentiments echoed by other leaders who addressed including MPs Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West) and Moitalel Ole Kenta(Narok North).
Arama noted that BBI has been there and a section of leaders cannot come out the last minute to oppose it.
On his part Ole Kenta refuting claims by a section of leaders that BBI is aimed at making anyone to win elections in 2022.
The function was also attended by administrators led by Rift valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya and Nakuru County Commissioner Erastus Mbui.