Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has said the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) will not receive automatic backing from Kenyans.
This, however, comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to embrace the BBI report.
The initiative was founded by the two after their 2018 truce, with the leaders having repeatedly declared their readiness to push it to realisation once the report is out.
Speaking on Sunday, Kiraitu said he is ready to endorse BBI, on grounds that it supports cohesion and inclusivity, adding that governors are also ready to endorse it.
He, however, noted that the initiative will be rejected if does not advocate for channeling of more resources to the counties
“As for the BBI, we are going to read it very keenly but we will look whether it will bring money to the grassroots, and if it doesn’t we will reject it just like Punguza Mizigo was trashed,” he said.
He lauded the Meru County Assembly for rejecting the Punguza Mizigo Bill, which was pushing for a referendum, on grounds that it was not well thought out before being presented.
"I thank the Meru County Assembly, led by the Speaker, for rejecting the Punguza Mizigo initiative. That was an abstract academic idea that was not properly thought-out and would have brought more problems," he said.
Punguza Mizigo sought to reduce elective seats in Parliament and abolish some positions, before it was kicked out by the county assemblies.
Speaking at Kajiunduthi Grounds in Maara constituency on Sunday, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki promised to back the initiative because of Uhuru's involvement.
He urged fellow leaders to do the same.