Deputy President William Ruto has said that he is willing to sit down with President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga for talks on BBI reforms.
If the talks are successful, there would be no contested referendum.
Elders visited the Deputy President’s home on Tuesday. They asked him to consider having talks with the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Following the elders’ recommendation, the Deputy President changed tune and expressed his willingness to have a dialogue on the constitutional reforms.
Speaking to the press yesterday, Ruto also advised leaders across the political divide to come up with a consensus on the proposals. Doing so would facilitate a non-contested referendum.
DP Ruto’s sudden change of tune has surprised many.
“During the launch of the BBI report at Bomas, President Kenyatta urged us to build consensus and reach out to each other. Let leaders not drive the country into a divisive engagement for selfish political gain,” the Deputy President said while speaking at the burial of of nominated Senator Mary Seneta’s father at Kitengela.
Hours later, he informed the elders that he was willing to negotiate on the BBI reforms.
The President’s cousin, Kung’u Muigai confirmed that the Deputy President had informed the Council of elders that he is willing to talk.
“He said he was ready for dialogue and does not want a contentious referendum. He is willing to put aside any perceived differences so as not to create any divisions ahead of the referendum,” Muingai said.
David Mugonyi, Ruto’s spokesperson revealed that it was the elders who suggested for a meeting between the three leaders to help them solve their issues.
“Ruto is ready to engage with other leaders to strengthen the document, eliminate contentious issues, respect separation of powers and make it more focused on the issues about ordinary Kenyans,” Mugonyi said during an interview
