The Punguza Mizigo (Constitution of Kenya Amendment) Bill of 2019 sponsored by the Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot has received a major boost after the County Assemblies Forum (CAF) expressed intention to back it at the grassroots level.
Speaking in Nairobi yesterday, CAF officials all the 47 County Assemblies are now in receipt of the from proposed constitutional amendment Bill from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for consideration.
However, to ensure inclusivity and adequate public participation, the assemblies coordinating body pledged to invite the public and other stakeholders to contribute their views and perceptions on the contents of this Bill through public forums in their respective jurisdictions.
“CAF, as the coordinating body of County Assemblies, has put together a team of legal experts to analyse the bill and provide technical advice. This Bill will undergo the ordinary process of a bill under the Constitution of Kenya and respective Standing Orders of the 47 County Assemblies.
In the absence of a Referendum Act at the national level, we are considering issues such how to handle or collate amendments introduced at the 47 County Assemblies.
Our preliminary consideration now, is that this Punguza Mizogo Bill heralds some progress that we have been yearning for as Kenyans.” CAF chairman who doubles as the Kajiado County Assembly Speaker Johnson Osoi said.
Aukot has embarked on a countrywide tour of the county assemblies to root support for the proposed constitutional change that seemingly appears to work on cross purposes with the much touted Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) mooted following the famous March 9, 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
At the same time, CAF leadership condoled with the family of the late Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso terming her demise as a blow to the country. Noting that health is a devolved function, CAF faulted the national government over what they termed as inadequate allocation of funds to devolved units to facilitate building and equipping to ensure affordable healthcare to all.
Following last week’s election of new CAF national officials, the incoming office bearers will sworn into office on August 14, 2019. Ndegwa Wahome, Speaker Nyandarua County Assembly Speaker Ndegwa Wahome was elected the chairperson deputised by Machakos County Assembly Speaker Florence Mwangangi and Garissa County Assembly Asembly Speaker Ahmed Ibrahim Abass as the Treasurer.