This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On August 28, 2019, the Nyeri County Assembly in Kenya rejected the Punguza Mizigo draft bill proposed by Third Way Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot.
The bill aimed to reduce the number of Members of Parliament from 416 to 147, abolish 290 constituencies, and adopt a system where each of the 47 counties would be a single constituency for parliamentary elections.
However, the assembly members questioned the bill's motive, suggesting it was an attempt to undermine the National Assembly and give more power to the Senate.
"The Senate has been given so much power in this bill, and it begs the question, is this bill sponsored by the Senate to undermine the National Assembly?" asked Kirimukuyu Ward Representative Muriithi Ndagita.
Ekuru Aukot dismissed the claims, stating that the bill's focus was to help people at the grassroots level access services.
