Raila Speaks On Not Being Aware Of New BBI Bill Changes

ODM leader Raila Odinga has dismissed reports that he was caught off guard with new BBI report changes. 

On Wednesday, Raila was at the center of attention during the BBI signature collection launch after appearing to root for the BBI report that had not been amended. 

In a statement, Raila's spokesman Dennis Onyango clarified that the ODM party leader was party to the changes and agreed with the contents of the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

"He (Raila) used yesterday's (Wednesday) event to highlight the contested proposals that found their way into the Bill as well as those that were abandoned and also to make the point that not all views," Onyango said in a statement.

 He added that "However, strongly held, including his, were accepted into the Bill and it should not be a reason for actors to oppose the process."

Raila caused confusion with his remarks on the appointment of IEBC commissioners. 

"Those of you who have been around will agree that the fairest elections were held in 2002. The ten commissioners appointed by [President Daniel] Moi were being counter-checked by those appointed by opposition parties," Raila said. 

However, the BBI bill dropped the proposal that political parties nominate IEBC commissioners.

The new bill also does not talk about the fate of the current IEBC commissioners led by Wafula Chebukati.