Since the debate on the Dr. Ekuru Aukot backed Punguza Mizigo referendum initiative began at the counties, a number of assemblies have rejected it.
Out of the 16 counties that have debated the Punguza Mizigo bill, only one, Uasin Gishu accepted it.
The reason following given by the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) as to why the couldn’t back Aukot’s bill are given below.
1. Garissa County (18 September 2019)
Said that Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) is the only initiative that can save Kenya.
2. Muranga County (17 September 2019)
Murang’a County Assembly said the proposal will sideline minority communities.
3. Homabay County (18 September 2019)
MCAs say they may fail its integrity test.
4. Siaya County (29 August 2019
MCAs say proposed law likely to erode constitutional gains achieved since 2010.
5. Kirinyaga County (11 September 2019)
Kenya cannot work on the whims of Ekuru Aukot.
Fortunately for Kenya, we run on the basis of law not on Ekuru Aukot directives. The Bill was thrown out on the basis of the Law and Standing Orders of the Kirinyaga County Assembly. Period. Even on its merits this Bill is in any event an unfortunate embarrassment. – Anne Waiguru, Kirinyaga County Governor
6. Nyamira County (24 September, 2019)
Nyamira County Assembly leader of majority Duke Masira says the proposal is not inclusive and discriminates minority groups.
7. Kisii County (26 September, 2019)
MCAs cited ‘constitutional irregularities and mischief’
8. Nakuru County (8 October, 2019)
“Having carefully scrutinised the bill, the committee has taken note that the bill is a populist initiative to win favour of ordinary Kenyans while in reality it offers nothing meaningful in terms of substance and process,” the committee observed.
9. Nairobi County (8 October, 2019)
MCAs say the proposal will erode gains made in the country in terms of representation.
10. Makueni County (8 October, 2019)
Majority leader Kyalo Mumo faulted Dr Aukot for not consulting widely when he came up with the initiative.
11. Laikipia County (9 October, 2019)
MCAs say it lacked public participation.
12. Bungoma County (9 October, 2019)
MCAs say it seeks to reduce representation and that will not favour them.
13. Kakamega County (9 October, 2019)
MCAs say it is not all inclusive.
14. Nyeri County (9 October, 2019)
MCAs say the bill is populist; its proposals are not practical.
15. Tharaka Nithi County (9 October, 2019)
More News
Going by the above, Ekuru’s chances looks slim in winning the hearts and minds of local representatives (MCAs).
