OPINION: It is time BBI is dissociated from the 'hustler nation' narrative

 

Members of the public stage a demonstration against BBI in Kericho

The recent happenings have shown that BBI would probably sail through in most county assemblies. So far, 7 counties have given the Bill the green light, two of which come from Rift valley including West Pokot and Trans Nzoia Counties.

A few days ago, Moses Kuria an ally of the Deputy President stated that the Bill would pass in nearly all the Mount Kenya counties. He stated that this would be so due to bribery of MCAs by the Executive.

READ ALSO: Moses Kuria: BBI will sail through in all Mt. Kenya Counties

Baringo County was the first county from Deputy President's backyard to reject the Bill. This was met by jubilation from residents who commended the MCAs for ensuring that the Bill never sailed through.

On Monday, an MCA from Kericho County was captured leading a demonstration against the Bill. What was however notable was the fact that the demonstrators had banners with UDA party slogan and colors which read " Reject the BBI nonsense, hustler nation is unstoppable."

While it's obvious that legislators allied to Deputy President William Ruto have been against the bill, it is still not right to associate the opposition of the Bill to Ruto's party.

READ ALSO: OPINION; Why Isaac Ruto has to join the 'Hustler Nation' to survive politically

In the event that the Bill sails through, that would mean that the DP will have started on a wromg footing. The DP himself has steered away from the Bill stating that Kenyans were in need of services and not a constitutional amendment.

There's also the threat that the Bill will majorly be rejected in Kalenjin counties. While it is their right to take that direction, it would have an impact on Ruto's stand in national politics. This might reduce him to a regional kingpin who has no major impact on national politics.

Dr. Ruto has a great chance of succeeding President Kenyatta in 2022. He has over the years created his own networks throughout the country. He is in touch with the grassroots leaders and hosts them at his Karen offices, Nairobi.

COUNTY ASSEMBLIES 

The BBI Bill requires atleast 24 counties for it to sail through to the National Assembly and the Senate. Once the 24 counties give their greenlight, it will be subjected to a referendum regardless of what parliament wants.

Ruto should not allow his UDA party be the face of failure. He should ensure that he controls his lieutenants and warn them against associating UDA to the NO to BBI brigade.