A social media post by Kakamega Senator Dr. Boni Khalwale has reignited debate over the fate of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and the role played by legal professionals who opposed the constitutional amendment process.
In a Facebook post shared while travelling to Kisumu, Khalwale praised Kisumu senatorial aspirant Fred Odumo, describing him as one of the legal minds whose contribution helped defeat the BBI initiative in court.
“I am travelling in the company of Wakili Fred Odumo, one of the brilliant legal minds whose contribution helped defeat BBI,” Khalwale wrote.
The remarks have generated mixed reactions among residents and political observers in Kisumu.
Critics argue that BBI was widely supported in the region due to its association with opposition leader Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta following the 2018 Handshake agreement.
However, supporters of Odumo have defended his stance, maintaining that opposition to BBI was rooted in constitutional, legal, and governance concerns rather than opposition to any individual or region.
Political analysts note that differing views on the initiative emerged across the country, with some leaders expressing concerns that the proposed constitutional amendments would significantly alter the structure of government, including the introduction of a Prime Minister’s position and additional executive offices.
According to some analysts, critics of BBI viewed the proposals as likely to reshape the balance of power within the Executive and potentially entrench political interests.
Sources familiar with the matter also claim that Odumo engaged in discussions with key stakeholders regarding his reservations about the initiative and argued that the proposed changes would not adequately serve the interests of the Nyanza region.
The BBI initiative was ultimately declared unconstitutional by the courts, bringing to an end one of Kenya’s most ambitious and contentious constitutional reform efforts.
The renewed discussion highlights the continuing political significance of BBI and the divergent views that persist over its legacy and impact on Kenya’s governance landscape.
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