This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Published on September 29, 2019, the Punguza Mizigo Bill aimed to reduce the weight of Kenyans by amending the Constitution. However, the bill has faced significant opposition from county assemblies, with only one county, Uasin Gishu, endorsing it.
Die-hard supporters of President Uhuru Kenyatta have dismissed the Punguza Mizigo Bill, instead backing the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) as a means to amend the Constitution. Raila Odinga, on the other hand, has openly opposed the bill, urging Kenyans to wait for the BBI report.
Thirdway Alliance secretary-general Fredrick Okango has expressed frustration with the rejection of the bill, stating that leaders should allow MCAs to debate and approve the bill on its merits or demerits. He emphasized that the bill has a constitutional timeline of 90 days and cannot be rejected on a technicality.
Okango also pointed out that the bill would take services closer to the people, safeguard devolution, and is pro-women. He urged President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga to rally their supporters and regions to support the bill if they are serious about fighting theft and strengthening devolution.
