US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter has warned politicians against hijacking President Uhuru Kenyatta’s pet project- Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).
Speaking in Kisii where the first BBI delegates consultative forum was hosted, Ambassador McCarter advised politicians to cease from using the BBI to further their individual political agenda.
McCarter, known for his unwavering fight against corruption, was in his nationwide tour of counties.
This comes just four days after Opposition leader Raila Odinga together with Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i led a BBI forum in Kisii.
The meeting that was attended by at least 10 Governors from across the political divide received backlash from Deputy President Dr William Ruto who stated that it was a “waste of time and resources.”
DP Ruto maintained that all Kenyans had accepted the BBI proposals and that there should be no further use of public money to bankroll BBI forums.
BBI must not be hijacked by politics.I challenge every radio station to read it aloud in the local language. #USAMarafiki wants“constructive conversation for deep reflection by all Kenyans to build a united,peaceful & prosperous Kenya.” pg21 @kisiifm will do it! Enka y’omogusii pic.twitter.com/0ynqVgVRpz
— Ambassador Kyle McCarter (@USAmbKenya) January 14, 2020
However, on Monday President Kenyatta gazetted a 14-member list of BBI taskforce that is supposed to traverse the country for purposes of achieving unity and cohesion.
President Kenyatta met with his then political enemy, Raila Odinga in 2018 following an acrimonious General election.