MARY THUO
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 10 – Third Way Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot says he will not give up on the Punguza Mizigo Bill despite its rejection by over 10 County Assemblies.
Aukot, who spoke at his party headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon, insists that the initiative is aimed at addressing problems facing Kenyans, and urged counties yet to debate it approve it.
“I expected the bill to fall as it threatens politicians,” he told journalists on the day Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi and Nyeri County Assemblies dismissed it. So far, 15 counties have rejected it.
According to Aukot, the bill will ensure inclusivity and equality among Kenyans.
“The country’s economy is in a bad state, lack of jobs and poverty, the Punguza Mizigo initiative is meant to help Kenyans,” he said.
Other county assemblies which have rejected the initiative include West Pokot, Nyamira, Siaya, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kisii, Nakuru with Uasin Gishu being the only county Assembly which passed it.
According to Aukot, the rejection of the bill is linked to the “selfish political class who focus on self-gains through manipulating politics.”
“They are working behind the scene through manipulative politics playing against the Punguza Mizigo Bill, these people never hesitate to shut down anything that benefits the general public,” he claimed but did not provide names of the said individuals.
Among others, the bill proposes enhanced integrity in leadership with most chapters outlining the need to reduce the number of elective seats to save the taxpayer from a ballooning wage bill that derails development.
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