Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot has moved to merge his Punguza Mizigo initiative with the Building Bridges Initiative led by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, Thirdway's embattled secretary-general, Frederick Okango, says.
While speaking with Kenyans.co.ke on Sunday, February 16, Okango stated that Aukot had invited Kenyatta, Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto to a re-launch of Punguza Mizigo, to revive the bill that was rejected by county assemblies in 2019.
Letters signed by Aukot show that the former presidential aspirant had also invited Nasa leaders Kalonzo Musyoka, Moses Wetangula and Musalia Mudavadi to the relaunch scheduled for Monday, February 17, at Lavington, Nairobi. The meeting was slated for 10:30 a.m.
"During the preceding process of Punguza Mizigo in 2019, there was criticism that we did not reach out to other political leaders like yourself. Albeit on short notice, it is an honour that we extend this invitation to you. With its primary focus being to change our Constitution of Kenya 2010 to, inter alia, annihilate theft of public funds at both national and county levels, take service to the doorstep of Kenyans, more fiscal empowerment to the counties, reduce the heavy burden on Kenyans and rapidly spur economic growth and enhance equitable sharing of the national cake.
"We have no doubt that you have no reservations to an initiative that will better the lives of all Kenyans. Punguza Mizigo's focus is to make our country better the lives of all Kenyans in equal measures. We are positive that your party would agree with us on a number of issues we propose to include in the Punguza Mizigo constitutional ammendment process," the letter to four NASA principals and two Jubilee leaders dated Friday, February 14 reads.
Aukot, when contacted by Kenyans.co.ke, denied attempting to merge Punguza Mizigo with the BBI.
"Who says we are merging with BBI? We have also invited all Kenyans and all political parties. I guess what's exciting to you and others is what is a sweetener to you. Of course Punguza Mizigo is people-focused. Whatever little they (BBI) stole from Punguza Mizigo they can't even speak about it openly for fear that Kenyans will know it was lifted from us.
"Look at how the BBI is dividing Kenyans even after gobbling over Ksh15 billion of our taxes. Do not focus on a twisted tribal political narrative only," Aukot informed Kenyans.co.ke on Saturday, February 15.
On Tuesday, January 28, Aukot was forced to address claims by the party secretary-general on the party's apparent decision to merge Punguza Mizigo with the Uhuru-Raila-led BBI.
"According to the party constitution, the party leader is the spokesperson. The NEC was unanimous in its decision, we are launching the Punguza Mizigo II to amend the constitution through popular initiative
"Our position on BBI has never changed, it is an illegality. I wish him (Okango) luck in his next outfit. We will be meeting this morning to decide what action to take because it's not right to use the party letterhead like that," Aukot asserted via a press release.
Okango, whose position is reportedly under review accused Aukot of doublespeak. He further issued a statement arguing that he was still the secretary-general and his position reflected that of Thirdway Alliance's National Executive Council.
"You cannot fire someone via a tweet. I am still the sec-gen and our position is as follows.
"Punguza Mizigo Kenya (PMK) has listened to the people of Kenya. In the spirit of inclusivity and working together for the benefit of the majority, PMK indulges the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) in pursuit of a Kenya free from the social economic Mizigo but to that which is bound by shared ideals and aspirations.
"All Kenyans are invited to engage in this national conversation that will finally lead to a powerful national consensus on the type of Kenya that we all want now, today and in the future."
"It must be an honest, open, non-divisive, selfless and inclusive conversation, ", the statement by Okango read.
The war of words and fight for power between Aukot and Okango raises questions on who speaks for the party and what is the actual stand of the party on the said merger.
