Good morning,
There is no doubt the hottest talking point across the country is the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) despite a devastating pandemic ravaging the economy and taking a toll on everyone.
In spite of the fact that more Kenyans are seemingly growing resistance to the divisive report, BBI proponents are still on the illusion that they can pass the recommendations unopposed even as more disgruntled groups call for amendments.
From concerns with the expanded Executive, increase in the number of MPs, IEBC and the place of people living with Disabilities (PWDs), the critics are likely to position themselves on the No side of the BBI divide if and when it goes to a referendum after Opposition Leader Raila Odinga indicated that the report may not be opened for major amendments.
Even if we put politics aside and assume that the BBI is a noble idea that is meant to solve problems facing the country, then why would we try to sort out the issue of divisive elections using a divisive referendum?
If the recommendations are so important to every Kenyan, then why are the BBI proponents not putting the effort of bringing all on board to have the most inclusive report?
Why is a section of the political class so hell-bent to pass the report as it is and within the shortest span of time possible? And more crucially, why are some quarters pushing for a YES-NO referendum if consensus can work?
Meanwhile, here are the stories making headlines on Opera News today:
Waiguru Faces Eviction From Ksh80M House
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru is facing eviction from her Ksh 80 million house in Kitisuru, Nairobi, with the landlord claiming that she owes over Ksh 44 million in rent arrears.
The Governor rushed to court to challenge the eviction notice issued on February 29, arguing that she bought the house and she is the owner.
Flamboyant Lawyer Donald Kipkorir Hospitalized For COVID-19
Outspoken city lawyer Donald Kipkorir is the latest public figure to test positive for COVID-19.
The corporate law and commercial lawyer is hospitalized at the Aga Khan University Hospital. This was revealed by Kipkorir’s ‘BFF’, Prof Makau Mutua, who on Tuesday took to Twitter to wish him a quick recovery.
Prof Mutua also shared photos showing Donald Kipkorir on oxygen support.
Showdown as Uhuru, Raila Launch Referendum Signature Drive
A showdown is in the offing as President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga launch the signatures drive for the contentious referendum.
There’s no public consensus. A NIS report to Uhuru says only 19 percent of the country wants a referendum – but the drive will begin on Thursday.
The drive means the two have slammed the door on any changes to the disputed Building Bridges Initiative proposals.
The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association on Tuesday sounded an alarm over the death of 13 headteachers and principals since the phased reopening of schools commenced even as the Ministry of Education insists that the learning institutions would remain open. Do you think the schools should remain open and learning for other classes resume on January 4 as announced earlier after these surging cases and deaths?