Leaked details of the much awaited Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report indicate Deputy President stands to gain the most from the recommendations therein.
After exactly 20 months of speculation and hearsay, the BBI could actually add wind to DP Ruto’s sails in his race to the House on the Hill come 2022.
Reports by Citizen TV have indicated the task force has proposed a powerful President elected by popular vote and with powers to nominate a Prime Minister to assist him with the execution of Government duties.
Should DP Ruto ascend to Presidency, his would be to recline and only intervene on matters of national importance as well as be the face of the country.
After being President Kenyatta’s chief assistant, this would be his chance to rest easy and get all the donkey work done for him by his Deputy and the Prime Minister who will chair cabinet sub-committees.
One thing, however, that is new is perhaps that the second-placed candidate in the General Election would be directly nominated to Parliament.
In Parliament, s/he would form a robust opposition and a shadow cabinet which shall serve as the Government in waiting.
BBI proposed unrestricted Opposition that would be tasked with holding the ruling Government to account.
The President shall nominate cabinet secretaries from within Parliament or without it but in consultation with the Prime Minister.
The other biggest winners in the BBI report are Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who are set to control bursaries.
However, the report deals a major blow to corruption with its recommendations of barring public officials from doing business with the Government.
The media also stands to gain from the report after the taskforce recommended protection from libel or defamation when exposing corrupt leaders.