Uhuru Using BBI to Extend Stay in Power, MP Alice Wahome Says

Kandara MP Alice Wahome claims that President Kenyatta is planning to extend his stay in power.

Wahome alleged that the proposed constitutional amendments through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) are a scheme by Uhuru to remain in power after his term expires in 2022.

Addressing reporters at a Malindi hotel on Saturday, she claimed that the plot will see Kenyatta retain some degree of control even after he vacates office. 

“Your excellency, you are attempting to cleverly change the constitutional to retain some executive power even when you are away from office,” Wahome said.

Wahome, a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, further accused Uhuru of crippling devolution, the country’s economy, and militarizing the state.

“It is time President Kenyatta admitted he has made costly economic and fiscal policy mismanagement mistakes in the last seven years. He cannot blame and or pass the buck to anybody. The buck stops constitutionally with President for final decision upon getting prerequisite advice,” she said.

“There is no hiding the fact that the economy and financial status of the country is in turmoil. Our country is in an enormous health care crisis. Unemployment rate and the cost of living has hit the roof.”

She described ODM leader Raila Odinga as a ‘mercenary for hire’, adding that the BBI is a special-purpose vehicle for Uhuru to cling to power.

“For Kenya, to remain a truly democratic and rule of law state, our President must accept the reality his term is coming to an end. He must ensure a peaceful transfer of power in 2022 and go home. He should not be allowed to extend his stay in power in whatever form whether direct and or indirect/through proxy,” added Wahome.