This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
Chama cha ODM has come out strongly against the Punguza Mzigo bill proposed by Ekuru Aukot, a move that has sparked heated debate in the country.
On Thursday, July 25, 2019, ODM's Secretary General Edwin Sifuna spoke out against the bill, saying that reducing the number of MPs from 346 to 100 would severely limit the government's ability to function effectively.
According to Sifuna, the bill's proposal to reduce the number of MPs would also undermine the country's electoral process, which is already facing numerous challenges.
ODM has also expressed concerns over the bill's proposal to give the Senate more power, saying that this would create an imbalance in the country's governance structure.
On the other hand, Ekuru Aukot and his supporters argue that the bill is necessary to address the country's electoral challenges and promote good governance.
"Hakuna vile mtatoa nafasi ya naibu gavana na kuwacha nafasi ya naibu rais ambaye bajeti yake ni kubwa kushinda hawa wengine," Sifuna said in a statement.
"Kwa sasa, iwapo kutakuwa na mwanya katika kiti cha gavana, naibu wake huchukua usukani na mambo kuendelea... lakini kile Punguza Mzigo wanatuletea ni kuwa tukienda kwenye uchaguzi mdogo," he added.
