This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
On September 3, 2019, Uasin Gishu County became the first to pass Ekuru Aukot's Punguza Mizigo Bill, a move that has raised eyebrows in the political arena. The bill's passage was not a coincidence, but rather a carefully orchestrated plan to boost public confidence in the initiative, which had been met with rejection in all the county assemblies it was tabled in.
According to sources, DP William Ruto played a key role in rallying the county's MCAs behind the proposals. The bill received an overwhelming majority of 47 votes against 1, following public participation in the county's 30 wards.
Majority Leader Josphat Lowoi stated, 'If all the wards become the centre of development, that means Kenya will develop. The assembly was of the opinion that Punguza Mizigo Bill will address the perennial election violence in Kenya through the provision of one term presidency.'
It is alleged that Ruto summoned all 48 MCAs in the Uasin Gishu County Assembly on Thursday, August 29, 2019, and warned them of 'unspecified consequences' if they voted against the bill. This directive is said to have contributed to the bill's passage with an emphatic victory.
County Speaker David Kiplagat noted, 'The Constitutional Amendment Bill was received in the county on July 22, and presented to the County Assembly on the same day. We engaged the audience through public participation forums across the 30 wards in the county last week ahead of the approval by MCAs.'
DP Ruto's influence in Uasin Gishu County Assembly has sparked concerns about the bill's legitimacy, with observers waiting to see if the remaining Rift Valley counties will follow suit.
