This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
On July 31, 2019, Third Way Alliance leader Dr Ekuru Aukot made a case for his Punguza Mizigo referendum Bill in Murang'a and Embu county assemblies.
Speaking at Murang'a County Assembly, Dr Aukot told critics of his push for a national referendum that he was determined to offload the financial burden Kenyans are struggling with.
“There have been politicians questioning my source of funds, they are welcome to support my bid,” said Aukot.
He also noted that the country will save Sh3.5 trillion if proposals in the bill are adopted.
Dr Aukot pointed a finger at parliament, which he said is currently bloated and should have legislators' numbers reduced to help the country save Sh155 billion annually.
He faulted the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) saying it is a state-funded initiative with a Sh11 billion budget, which he claims is a waste of taxpayers' money.
“BBI is not anchored in law, I have gone to court seeking for its disbandment,” said Aukot.
At Embu County, Aukot spoke about cutting governance expenses at the national level and channeling the money to the grassroots through wards.
Under the proposal, he said the Constitutional Development Fund will be scrapped and replaced by the Ward Development Fund to accelerate growth in wards.
“Embu has four constituencies. Each receives Sh400 million. Under the proposed bill, the 20 wards will receive Sh2 billion. This will be possible when 35 per cent of the national budget goes to counties,” Aukot said.
