Editor's Review

  • Recent surveys indicate that the BBI report is unpopular especially within the Mt.Kenya region. 
  • ODM is banking on opinion leaders to push the popularity drive. 

ODM leader Raila Odinga has unveiled a plan to popularize the BBI report after reports emerged indicating that the document was unpopular. 

Sources indicate that Raila is focusing more on the Mt.kenyatta region, which recorded massive unpopularity in recent surveys. 

On Thursday, Raila held a meeting with the Kikuyu Council of Elders led by their chairman Wachira Kiago in Ruaka, Nairobi. Various ways of popularising the BBI report in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the referendum were discussed.

On Wednesday, Raila also held talks with youth leaders from Nairobi County at Ufungamano House to discuss ways of promoting the document among the country's youth.

The meeting was attended by members of the BBI secretariat led by its co-chair, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.

Earlier in the week, Raila also held a meeting with dozens of artists from the Mt Kenya region in Nairobi's Milimani area. The need to popularise the BBI report featured prominently. In attendance was the chairman of the Royal Media Services (RMS) SK Macharia.

Raila's latest campaign comes in the wake of growing opposition to the BBI project, especially among supporters of Deputy President William Ruto and sections of religious groups.

Sources within the BBI secretariat revealed that Raila and leading BBI proponents had been rattled by reports that the public mood was against the document and would oppose it during the referendum.

"The feedback is not pleasant at all; there is work to be done, serious work for that matter, and the earlier we start (the campaigns), the better otherwise we may end up with egg on our faces," the source said.

The new campaign comes at a time the BBI is facing a hurdle over signature verification delay.