The Punguza Mizigo Bill suffered yet another blow after MCAs in two counties trashed it on Wednesday, October 9. Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot accused Governors of intimidating MCAs against passing the bill.
The bill had been presented before Nakuru, Kakamega and Tharaka Nithi county assemblies where it was turned down. In Nairobi, on Tuesday, the bill also got a unanimous rejection from both Jubilee and ODM MCAs.
In a press statement held on Wednesday, October 9, Aukot told leaders blocking the passing of his bill that they would be shocked if they thought Punguza Mizigo was an event.
"In case they thought Punguza Mizigo is an event we will shock them. We appeal to all Kenyans to join this Punguza Mizigo movement," he assured.
Aukot swore to rally Kenyans to support the bill adding that it's the only way to save it from imminent death. In a phone interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Aukot added that he would issue give another statement if more counties reject the bill.
"It is up to Kenyans now to make sure that the bill is passed," Aukot affirmed.
Nairobi MCAs termed the bill as a retrogressive and unrealistic and that it did not factor in the views of everyday Kenyans in its composition.
The MCAs were opposed to the reduction of constituencies, the interference with the third gender rule and the reduction of electoral representation.
Kilimani Ward Rep Moses Ogeto who dabbles up as the minority whip was against the reduction of the number of MCAs. Ogeto stated that the bill would destabilise the one-third gender principle.
Ogeto advised Aukot to draft another bill that was more inclusive.
Kitui Deputy Governor Wanze Nzau in September affirmed that Ukambani MCAs would not pass the bill. “We have talked with MCAs in Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos to reject the Punguza Mizigo Bill,” Nzau concluded.
The deputy governor hinted that Ukambani region would support the Building Bridges Initiative fronted by Raila Odinga and President Kenyatta.
Makueni County Governor on Tuesday, October 8 congratulated the Ukambani MCAs for rejecting the bill. "The Thirdway Alliance bill flouts fundamental constitutional principles such as public participation, gender representation and devolution of resources," he affirmed.
