Former mayors, councilors association calls for peaceful support of BBI report

The National Leaders of Former Mayors International (FMI)
and Kenya Former Councilors Association (KEFOCA) have called for the peaceful
support of the Building Bridges Initiative report, amid heated political debate
on its implementation.

Addressing members of the press in Nairobi, the association
leaders led by Nathan Kahara, former Nairobi Mayor cum former chair Mayors
International and Christopher Lanyola, former Mayor Kapenguria cum former chair
Kenya Councilors Association, said they have resorted to support the
initiative, as a way of supporting President Kenyatta’s push for unity.

“We have resolved to support BBI and we remain happy that
President Uhuru Kenyatta is working hard to unite the country. We also acknowledge
the fact that the president was the best minister for Local Government during
his tenure,” said Mr. Kahara.

They said that President Uhuru initiated devolution for
which the former councilors laid foundation, which is being used today.

“Former Councilors have remained opinion leaders in their respective
counties and locations. They have also resolved to preach peace and support the
President in uniting the country and fighting corruption,” he added.

They also said that their wish is to see Kenya led by National
leaders, and not tribal/ethnic leaders who preach divisive politics.

“We appeal to all leaders, to talk about the BBI report and
campaign in a peaceful manner to embrace unity in the country,” said Kahara.

The association comprises of mayors and councilors who
served since independence (1963) to 2013, when the new system of government was
enacted by the new constitution.

BBI Meetings

Among them are the late Hon. Charles Rubia, the first Kenyan
Women Mayor including Her Worship Grace Onyango and Her Worship the late Margret
Kenyatta.

The BBI report discussions in the country have intensified
even as meetings and discussions go on across different parts of the country.

On Tuesday, MPs allied to deputy President William Ruto resorted
to attend all remaining BBI meetings in the country, starting with the Saturday
meeting in Mombasa.

They said this after a-seven-hour meeting at Serena Hotel in
Nairobi, adding that their worry lies in the fact that there was a secret
committee working on another document and not the original BBI report.

“It was a concern that if we just sit back and let ODM run
the process, we will be losing out politically, hence decided to join them and
talk to Kenyans on the same platform,” a local daily reports.

The MPs include Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Aaron
Cheruiyot (Kericho), David Pkosing (Pokot South), Susan Kihika (Nakuru), Oscar
Sudi (Kapseret), Caleb Kositany (Soi), Moses Kuria (Gatundu North), Alice
Wahome (Kandara) and Nelson Koech (Belgut).

Also in attendance were Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango),
Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), John Muchiri (Manyatta), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu
Masaba), John Waluke (Sirisia), Joyce Emanikor (Turkana), Steve Lelegwe
(Samburu) and Vincent Musyoka (Mwala).