Religious leaders have warned President Uhuru Kenyatta and former prime minister Raila Odinga against plans to challenge the recent court judgment that stopped constitutional amendments.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, May 27 in Nakuru, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said the move by pro-BBI to appeal the judgement on BBI will delay next year’s General Election.
“As the fate of BBI goes through the court process it could drag for several months to come which may delay next year’s General Election,”
“It is hence important for Kenyans to bear in mind that it may not be possible for this country to hold a referendum with just about one year to the next election,” they said in a statement read by KCCB chairman Martin Kivuva.
The clergymen urged the BBI supporters to instead pursue any Constitutional amendments after the 2022 Election.
They said that if the constitution has to be amended before the next General Election, then it would be better for the process to be done in parliament.
“In the meantime, Kenyans should pursue, through parliament, some of the essential reforms to ensure a peaceful, progressive and prosperous country in the lead up to and after the 2022 polls,” they said.
Kivumbi.co.ke understands that five bench judges of High Court declared the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2020 unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.
The decision, which pleased leaders leaning towards Deputy President William Ruto, seemed to offend President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga who vowed to appeal the judgement.
Ruto called on the two to accept court judgement and respect the independence of the judiciary.
He further asked Uhuru and Raila to join hands with him to rebuild the nation’s economy which has been weakened by the devastating Corona disaster.
Despite this, the two, together with the attorney general, have appealed the decision on the grounds that the court violated the wishes of the majority of Kenyans who appended their signatures.
