Members of Parliament who support the Building Bridges Initiative, on Thursday, October 17, released a statement on the unprecedented death of the Punguza Mizigo Bill, fronted by Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot.
The MPs led by Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu gave their verdict on why the bill was rejected in many county assemblies.
Wambugu congratulated MCAs for voting against the bill and urged them to throw their weight behind BBI
"We note that except for Uasin Gishu, all other counties which have discussed this bill rejected it primarily on the basis of lack of inclusivity in how it was prepared," the statement read.
The communication also mentioned that the Punguza Mizigo Bill was being used as a political tool to divide Kenyans as well as creating obstacles for BBI.
"On the Building Bridges Initiative, we note that even before coming to Kenyans with proposals on what Kenyans should do, the task force established by President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga went across the country collecting views on what Kenyans think about (the) nine key areas that we all generally agree adversely affect the state of our neighbourhood," the legislators noted.
The MPs expressed confidence that BBI's report would be presented to Uhuru and Raila in the near future.
The statement was signed by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang, Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, Kiambu Woman Representative Gathoni Wamuchomba, Balambala MP Abdi Shurie, Mombasa Woman Representative Mishi Mboko and Ntonyiri MP Maoko Maore.
The Punguza Mizigo Bill all but came to its end when it was rejected in more than 24 counties. The proposal required support from over 24 counties to be presented in Parliament for debate.
Notable concerns by MCAs who discussed it in various county assemblies were that Punguza Mizigo undermined devolution by scrapping leadership positions that were beneficial to Kenyans.
