This archive report was first published on 9 October 2019.
On October 9, 2019, the Nakuru County Assembly dealt a significant blow to the Punguza Mizigo Bill, a contentious proposal championed by Ekuru Aukot, leader of the Thirdway Alliance Party.
The bill, which aimed to reduce the number of constituencies from 290 to 47 and adopt the 47 counties as electoral units, as well as limit the presidential term to seven years, was met with strong opposition from assembly members.
According to Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chairperson Erick Gichuki, the committee's report highlighted the bill's populist nature, stating that it offered 'nothing meaningful in terms of substance and process.'
Mr. Gichuki further emphasized that the bill's rigid structure left no room for amendments, which is a crucial aspect of the assembly's role.
Former majority leader Stanley Karanja added that the bill's chapters were 'faulty' and that the proposal to limit the presidential term was particularly contentious.
The rejection of the Punguza Mizigo Bill by the Nakuru County Assembly brings the total number of assemblies to have rejected the bill to eight, with only Uasin Gishu County having passed it.
