Raila: BBI to end discrimination against women
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has said the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) will liberate women from discrimination, poverty and safeguard them from greedy power leaders.
Speaking in Kitengela, Kajiado, yesterday when he met members of the ODM women league, Raila said the BBI report, which is ready for public scrutiny and debate is crucial for the cohesion of the country.
The former premier observed that the country has in the past shed enough blood occasioned by political violence, and it was only through adopting the BBI report that we will heal the country.
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Raila lamented that women have largely borne the brunt of these divisive politics over the years, adding that the BBI reforms will provide them and all Kenyans at large a free and fair playing ground in fighting for elective positions.
“I urge all women to brace for better times once the BBI report is adopted. It will be an excellent opportunity to stand out and be counted when it comes to seeking elective seats,” said Raila.
The ODM leader further said that BI reforms would tame rampant corruption.
“Corrupt leaders fear and are worried that BBI will lock them out and expose their evil deeds of chewing public resources,” he said.
He cautioned religious leaders against allowing places of worship as avenues through which corrupt leaders cleansed their dirty money.
The jibe appeared targeted at Deputy President William Ruto, who Raila has repeatedly accused of using places of worship to cleanse his allegedly ill-gotten wealth.
“Churches and mosques have an obligation to reject dirty money. They should refuse donations of dubious monies as this will help contain rogue politicians who have resorted to cleansing money in places of worship.
Proceeds of corruption should not be allowed in places of worship,” said Raila.
Selfish politicians
He also took a swipe at Ruto over his recent “hustler movement” campaign of donating wheelbarrows in the name of empowering the marginalised members of the society claiming the source of the money is questionable.
“Hustlers are donating wheelbarrows without telling recipients what they will do with them.
Kenyans are alert and cannot be taken for a ride by selfish politicians pretending to empower them.
The money trap will not work, Kenyans are alert and gifting them is a waste of time,” said Raila.
Raila used the occasion to launch the “He for She” campaign which is a national initiative aimed at ensuring that ODM women league members recruit more members to the party while encouraging them to participate in politics and electoral processes.
The party also received a handful of women who defected from other parties.
Forty-seven chairpersons of ODM women league across all counties were present.
Present also were Nominated Senator Judith Pareno and former Kajiado Governor David Nkedianye.
