This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
Published on July 22, 2019, by NATION TEAM
Thirdway Alliance's Punguza Mizigo referendum drive has sparked mixed reactions from leaders across the political divide.
While opposition legislators have denounced the Ekuru Aukot initiative, those in the ruling Jubilee party have given mixed signals on the Bill.
Senate minority leader James Orengo, MPs Otiende Amollo (Rarieda) and Opiyo Wandayi (Ugenya) urged their supporters to ignore the Punguza Mizigo drive and instead focus on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) referendum.
Senate majority leader Kipchumba Murkomen and nominated MP David Sankok, both allies of Deputy President William Ruto, threw their weight behind Dr Aukot's Bill.
Mr Murkomen called on MCAs to embrace the initiative, saying they have the opportunity to 'stamp their authority' by supporting it.
“MCAs have the greatest opportunity to stamp their authority by supporting Ekuru Aukot's Punguza Mizigo initiative. They have been despised for far too long,” Mr Murkomen posted on his Twitter handle.
Mr Sankok noted that the number of MPs was too high, pushing the wage bill to 52 per cent, and that the number of MPs should be reduced to tame the spiralling wage bill.
Mr Orengo urged Kenyans to await the BBI report and embrace its recommendations, saying the referendum they know is that of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Dr Amollo faulted Dr Aukot's proposal to merge constituencies and other electoral units, calling the Punguza Mizigo bill 'opportunistic' and urging Kenyans to reject it.
Dr Amollo said the Kenyans want a futuristic constitution and not one that is 'retrogressive and opportunistic.'
East African Legislative Assembly representative Oburu Oginga told off Dr Aukot on his referendum bid, saying he should consult widely to come up with a negotiated referendum.
"Aukot should consult widely to come up with a negotiated referendum. His idea is dead on arrival,” he said.
MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Samuel Atandi (Alego Usonga) echoed Oburu's sentiments, saying people cannot just wake up and demand a referendum.
"People cannot just wake up and demand a referendum. We will amend the constitution through consultation," said Mr Atandi.
