Uhuru: BBI is My Biggest Regret as I Retire as President

President Uhuru Kenyatta revealed his biggest regret as head of state was the failure of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) which dominated the first three years of his second term.

Speaking on Sunday, August 7, during a joint interview with media outlets from Mount Kenya region, Uhuru stated that the BBI would have ensured equitable distribution of resources by having the one man one shilling formula institutionalized in the constitution.

He added that the people of Mout Kenya would have benefitted most from the proposed constitutional amendment that was declared unconstitutional, null and void by the Supreme Court.

“My biggest regret would have to be BBI. It is sad that by the time I retire, the one man one shilling will not have been realised,” the Head of State noted.

He also expressed that despite his efforts to broker peace in the country in the handshakes between him and Deputy President William Ruto and former Premier Raila Odinga, the county was not as united as he hoped it would be.

“I also regret that despite my efforts to pursue peace through the 2013 and 2018 handshakes, the country’s unity has not been fully actualised. Despite the insults, I hope to work with the new government to bring everyone on board and do better,” he added.

On the flip side, he noted that his greatest success was the improvements he made to the country’s infrastructure.

“My biggest success is that on top of the peace and unity achieve, is that we have improved the country’s infrastructure. Even whatever those who will be getting into office are promising you right now, it will not be capable without good infrastructure,” Uhuru stated.

The Jubilee Party leader further defended his handshake with Raila, denying allegations that it was the hallmark of the split in his government. He added that he tried to ensure that everyone was content for the country to move forward.

“You will hear people saying I messed up the country after the 2017 handshake, but have you seen fire anyone from my government because of the handshake?

“I used my connections and got Raila a job in the AU and the same people I made a handshake with, in 2013, remained in their positions,” the Head of State noted.

The Azimio Council Chairman sympathised with the residents from his backyard for being gullible to leaders who turned them against him. He added that due to their folly, he may not be able to help them.

“My people in Mt Kenya were duped to believe that my plan to bring the one man one shilling ruling was about me. They were told to hate me but now I will be hanging out with my grandkids while the problem remains unresolved,” he declared.