Kipchumba Murkomen Drops Major Hint After Ekuru Aukot's Referendum Bid

Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen has reportedly disclosed that the senators are considering endorsing the Punguza Mizigo Bill by Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot.

According to the Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, the proposal to make the Senate an upper House is likely to be received well by senators.

In the current context of what we are going through, the constitutional issues we are dealing with in the Senate and counties, Aukot’s proposals are extremely attractive to those who support devolution, if it is that attractive, there is a high probability that his proposal will pass,” Murkomen stated.

Because of the provision on strengthening Senate and strengthening devolution and guaranteeing 35 per cent going to counties again that is extremely attractive to Senate there are high chances senators might welcome his proposals based on the current struggle we have had for the last six years,” he added.

Aukot must first get the nod of at least 24 county assemblies adopting the bill, which proposes changes that will alter the country’s political landscape.

Murkomen was optimistic that the proposal could sail through in more than 24 County Assemblies given the benefits it promises the devolved units once adopted.

With wards being recognised and resources being devolved to the ward level, getting 24 counties might be very easy for Aukot,” he reiterated.

The ‘Punguza Mzigo’ initiative wants the Senate to become an Upper House of Parliament with veto powers over the decisions made by the National Assembly.

The initiative also proposes changes in the reduction of the members of the National Assembly to 147, down from the current 416.

Aukot and his team also want the position of the woman representatives and the deputy governors to be abolished.

The initiative further wants the country to do away with the nomination slots for both the MCAs and the Senators.

If the party gets its way, the country could also see the president allowed to run for a single term of a maximum of 7 years.