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Kenya:Raila expects fair verdict on Building Bridges Initiative.

July 08, 2021

By Samuel Ouma

File Picture.President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga lead Kenyans in signing BBI

Kenya’s main opposition leader Raila Odinga believes judges will deliver fair judgment on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI).

The BBI appeal hearing kicked off on June 29 and ended on July 2. The case was heard by a seven-Judge bench led by the Court of Appeal's President Daniel Masinga.

Justice Masinga's led court set August 20 as the day it will deliver its verdict after going through all documents presented both by appellants and defenders.

The ODM party leader said that should the ruling favour them; there is still time to hold the referendum.

Mr. Odinga noted that the BBI crusaders would respect the court’s decision should they uphold the High Court’s ruling that declared the initiative unconstitutional.

"When the lower court declared the BBI process illegal, we respected their decision but sought redress from the higher court. Our teams presented our case and we were well defended, I believe the judges will be fair in their verdict and serve justice to the people of Kenya," Odinga said during a live radio interview on Thursday.

At the same time, the AU special envoy rubbished claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta is seeking to extend his tenure through the popular initiative. He defended his handshake brother, saying he had said he will leave when his term expires.

He also refuted allegations that BBI is being imposed on Kenyans by the government, saying that the document is suitable for Kenyans and will lower the cost of running the government plus many other benefits.

"If this Referendum sails through, it will be a great relief to the ordinary citizens. For instance, a prime minister will be an MP receiving salary through Parliament. We shall not be having Cabinet secretaries outside Parliament like we do currently. Instead, all Cabinet ministers will be Members of Parliament," he added.

The former Prime Minister also dismissed claims that he is seeking President Kenyatta's endorsement, noting that he would only need the latter’s vote should he choose to go for the country’s top seat.

"I am not looking for an endorsement from anyone. I don't depend on endorsements in my life. My whole political career has been about service to the people not endorsements,” Odinga reiterated.

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