This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
ODM Chairman John Mbadi Pours Cold Water on Punguza Mzigo Bill ¶
Published on July 24, 2019
ODM Chairman John Mbadi has poured cold water on the Punguza Mzigo Bill, terming it a wasted effort. Mbadi said the bill, which aims to reduce the number of MPs from 416 to 147, will not reduce the country's financial burden.
Speaking to KTN News on July 23, Mbadi said he does not support the bill, saying it is a futile effort. He argued that reducing the number of MPs will not reduce the country's financial burden, as the current MPs' salaries and allowances will still be paid.
"I do not support the Punguza Mzigo Bill. I think it is a wasted effort," Mbadi said.
He added that the bill will not reduce the country's financial burden, as the current MPs' salaries and allowances will still be paid. Mbadi also criticized the method used by Ekuru Aukot, the leader of the Thirdway Alliance, in seeking to amend the Constitution.
"The method used by Ekuru Aukot is personal and will not achieve anything," Mbadi said.
Thirdway Alliance has claimed that if the bill is passed, the government will save KSh 155 billion in the next five years. However, Mbadi disputed this claim, saying that the government will still have to pay the salaries and allowances of the remaining MPs.
"The budget of Parliament is KSh 39.8 billion every year. Reducing the number of MPs will not reduce the country's financial burden. The government will still have to pay the salaries and allowances of the remaining MPs," Mbadi said.
