This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On August 31, 2019, ODM leader Raila Odinga attended the burial ceremony of Bishop Joseph Ogutu Magaka at Rinya Village in Uriri, Migori County, where he urged the county assembly to reject the Punguza Mizigo bill.
Speaking at the ceremony, Raila stated that the bill lacks support from Kenyans and will not address the country's problems. He emphasized the importance of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) as the way forward for the country.
“These issues of Punguza Mizigo, Punguza Punda, we don’t know, we want Migori County Assembly to reject the bill once it is brought in the assembly for debate,” Raila said.
He also drew parallels with Siaya County Assembly, which had previously rejected a similar bill led by Ekuru Aukot.
“We have some counties which are still reluctant on the matter, we want our people to lead so that judgment can be made that we don’t know Punguza Mizigo and what we know is BBI,” Raila added.
Migori Governor Obado expressed his support for the handshake between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta, citing the benefits of the ongoing revival of Kisumu port.
“I really want to support you Raila because your programmes through the handshake including the ongoing revival of Kisumu port will uplift our people's living standards,” Obado said.
Obado also urged Raila to extend the port revival to Muhuru and Sori to ease the movement of people and goods through the lake.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita echoed Raila's sentiments, warning the MCAs to reject the bill or face the consequences.
