Governor Kinyanjui in push to unite leaders ahead of BBI meeting

Nakuru County will host a Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) meeting this Saturday as divisions among local leaders emerge. While some MPs have vowed to oppose the meeting, Governor Lee Kinyanjui is rallying residents to support it.

Speaking during the Meru BBI meeting, Mr Kinyanjui said Nakuru has many political and economic issues that such a meeting can help address.“The county holds a strategic position politically and economically hence the need for consultations on BBI,” said Kinyanjui.He stressed that sharing of revenue generated by national parks in the county with the national government was one issue he wants addressed in the BBI.

Last month, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika had vowed to stage a parallel BBI meeting in the county. Her plans were, however, shelved following the death of former President Daniel arap Moi. It is not clear if Ms Kihika, who could not be reached for comment, will attend the rally.Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri, a strong critic of BBI process, has declared he is not part of those eager to see the meeting held.Ngunjiri said the process lacks a clear objective, and it is divisive.

Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama, who is supporting BBI, said leaders will hold a meeting on Thursday to come up with the agenda for Saturday.His Nakuru Town East counterpart David Gikaria, who has often spoken against BBI, now seems to have changed tune and is supporting the rally.