Woman files petition challenging formation of building bridges team

A woman has filed a petition challenging formation of the task force established by President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition chief Raila Odinga to spearhead the building bridges initiative.

Activist Moraa Gesicho claims the Building Bridges to Unity Advisory Task Force was not established in accordance with the Constitution.

She wants the task force formed in May this year after the handshake between President Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga suspended until the matter is heard and determined.

In her court documents, Gesicho claims the president has no powers under the Constitution to seek assistance from the leader of the opposition in the governance of the country.

She further claims that the president failed to consult the citizens and to give them an opportunity to participate while forming the task force.

“The President purports to initiate changes to the Constitution yet he has no mandate to do so,” says Ms. Gesicho.

According to Moraa, the President violated Article 131(1) (b) of the Constitution by sidestepping the Deputy President and Cabinet Secretaries to reach out to Odinga.

In May this year, the government gazetted a 14-member team formed by President Kenyatta and the opposition leader to draw up plans to end hostilities among Kenyans.

The task force was also mandated to conduct consultations with citizens, religious leaders, cultural leaders, the private sector and experts at both county and national levels.