This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Dr. Ekuru Aukot, leader of the Third Way Alliance Party, expressed confidence that his Punguza Mizigo Bill 2019 would receive support from the required 24 County Assemblies on September 11, 2019.
Speaking at an engagement forum with MCAs and local residents at Busia County Assembly, Dr. Aukot argued that the bill resonated well with the majority of Kenyans.
"The bill was not rejected in Kirinyaga as per what is doing rounds," he said, adding that it was not even subjected to debate nor public participation.
Dr. Aukot dismissed claims that the bill aimed to reduce the number of wards and counties, stating that the 1,450 wards would remain intact.
He further clarified that the bill did not seek to merge counties, as the 47 counties would not be affected in any way.
Dr. Aukot also explained that the bill supported a one-term presidency of seven years, contrary to allegations of a two-term presidency of 14 years.
He emphasized that the bill aimed to introduce gender equality at the national assembly, contrary to allegations that it sought to reduce the number of women MPs.
Dr. Aukot stated that the bill was associated with Kenyans, not individuals, citing that at least 1.2 million Kenyans supported the bill.
He termed allegations that the bill was associated with Deputy President William Ruto as cheap propaganda.
Dr. Aukot explained that the bill was being funded by common Kenyan citizens through a pay bill number, with contributions as low as Sh. 1,000 or Sh. 10.
He argued that Kenyans would save Sh. 3.78 trillion within five years if they supported the Punguza Mizigo Bill.
Busia County Assembly Speaker Bernard Wamalwa announced that the Assembly's Committee on Legal Affairs would conduct public participation in all 35 wards to collect views of local residents over the bill.
