The Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) has dominated political discourse in the recent past. The BBI reggae was stopped on 13th May 2021 after justices Teresia Matheka, Joel Ngugi , George Odunga, Jairus Ngaah and Chacha Mwita declared it unconstitutional. An appeal was made by pro-BBI leaders at the Court of Appeal to have the decision reversed. During the hearing that commenced late this week, the spotlight shone on a breed of young lawyers. The crop of young, energetic, vibrant and daring lawyers gave a good account of themselves. One such lawyer was Christian Andole.
Christian Andole impressed thousands of Kenyans as he made his stand against the BBI. Exuding confidence, the young lawyer told the court that the president should be forced to repay taxpayers money which has been misused thanks to the BBI. Eloquently and with measured words, he captured what many Kenyans feel and they(Kenyans) showered him with lots of praise.
Education and background
The young lawyer grew up in Emusanga village in Kakamega County where he attended St. Joseph Primary School. In 2008, he sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations and excelled with flying colors. He joined Mang’u High School after excelling in KCPE where he was awarded a sponsorship to finance his education. He was a top performing disciplined student who became the school captain in his final year- a role that does not come lightly.
It is, therefore, no surprise that he also did well in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations and proceeded to the University of Nairobi where he pursued a Bachelor of Law degree (LLB). In 2018, he graduated from the University and undertook his pupillage at Professor Mumo and Company Advocates.
On 3rd March 2021, he got admitted to the bar.
Career
Most people, even while undertaking the courses of their dreams, have to do some odd jobs here and there to earn a living. This was the case with the lawman who worked at Natives Sports Bar in Thika to help him get through University.
Upon completing University, he got the chance to join Professor Mumo and Company Advocates where he works as a legal associate.
BBI Appeal Case
Recently, he became the talk of town while appearing in the Court of Appeal with his sentiments on the BBI. He boldly said president Uhuru Kenyatta should be made accountable of taxpayers money.
“….This court should order president Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta to refund the public monies used in the unconstitutional process. My Lord this is a novel issue for various reasons because no court in Kenya has made a determination on article 226 (5) of the Constitution,” he said.
He further added that the High Court’s findings and declarations were enough to show how public money had been misused. The lawyer accused the President for illegally allocating and using public funds to the BBI committee to initiate and promote the bill in the midst of the pandemic.
The young lawyer accused the President of swaying the decision of MCAs to pass the bill at county level.
Lawyer Andole is a representative of Morara Omoke who filed a cross appeal against a section of the High Court ruling that was delivered in May.
