This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 8, 2019, Nairobi County Assembly dealt a significant blow to the Punguza Mizigo Bill, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at reducing the number of constituencies and elected representatives. In a unanimous vote, MCAs allied to both Jubilee and ODM rejected the bill, terming it unrealistic and retrogressive.
Minority Chief Whip Moses Ogeto expressed concerns that the bill would disorganize the two-thirds gender rule, which seeks to ensure gender equity in terms of representation in Parliament. He urged Thirdway Alliance leader Ekuru Aukot to revisit the bill and make it more inclusive.
Assembly Majority Leader Abdi Hassan moved the bill, but urged members to oppose it, stating that it would erode the gains made by the 2010 Constitution. Kayole Central MCA Jeremiah Karani opposed the clause on automatic voter registration, citing concerns that his constituents were not consulted during the bill's preparation.
Roysambu MCA Peter Warutere expressed concerns that the bill would leave no room for change in the future, thus opposing it. The bill's rejection by Nairobi County Assembly now joins other counties such as Kiambu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Siaya, Homa Bay, Murang'a, and Kirinyaga that have already shot down the Bill.
Uasin Gishu is the only county that has passed the bill, presenting a major hurdle for Aukot, who requires 24 counties to assent to the bill for it to be tabled in Parliament and result in a plebiscite.
