Malindi MP, Aisha Jumwa, has differed with allies of Deputy President William Ruto in regards to the Punguza Mizigo Bill, that is being fronted by Thirdway Alliance Party's Ekuru Aukot.
Nation reported that Jumwa has thrown her weight behind the referendum calls, arguing that the proposed document has the best interest of Kenyans.
Speaking at the Gongoni Pastors’ Fellowship in Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County, on Sunday, she stated Aukot's Bill would ensure equal representation in both Houses of Parliament, as it advocates for a male and a female MP in each of the proposed 47 parliamentary electoral areas.
“As a woman, I support the Bill since it will introduce equal representation at the constituency level,” she commented.
The vocal MP also acknowledged that her opinion would not be readily accepted by her colleagues but urged Members of the County Assemblies to support the draft amendments.
“I am aware that Members of Parliament will oppose this Bill, but I urge Members of County Assemblies to pass it since it will ensure more funds are disbursed to the grassroots,” she spoke.
Her remarks contradict those of politicians allied to DP Ruto, with whom she is closely associated.
On July 21, during a church fundraiser presided over by Ruto in Machakos County, MPs close to him trashed the radical changes that are proposed in Aukot's draft Bill.
Kangundo MP, Fabian Kyule, termed the Punguza Mizigo initiative as a movement to cause confusion in the country.
In a separate function, over 40 women leaders allied to the DP hit out at pro-referendum leaders, who are suggesting that the Woman Representative’s position be scrapped.
Led by Kandara MP Alice Wahome, they took issue with the Punguza Mizigo group and the Building Bridges Initiative — which was established by President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga in March last year after the “handshake” — saying they did not consider women in their envisaged proposals.
The DP has yet to take a position on the draft bill but has encouraged all parties, who are pushing for constitutional amendments, to work together.
