The Turkana Members of County Assembly have said they need more time to internalize contents of the Punguza Mizigo Bill before it is tabled to the assembly.
The County Assembly Speaker, Ekitela Lokaale said that MCAs had requested for more time for them to interpret the bill before it is tabled in the house for debate.
“Our house business committee will meet and decide on the date to table the bill,” Lokaale said.
During the session, nominated MCAs protested the abolishment of their posts, noting that majority of them were women.
The Nominated MCA, Alice Nakawa said the Bill should consider having an easy way of ensuring gender balance at county assemblies just like they proposed an equal number at the National Assembly and the Senate.
Concerns were also raised over the proposal to have a one term President, a situation that was argued to be an avenue for wastage of resources as the next President can decide not to continue investing in mega projects, citing lack of funds.
Aukot accused a section of political leaders campaigning for Building Bridges Initiative for failing to comply with constitutional procedures over their push for referendum.
He said despite the leaders, urging Kenyans not to discuss the Punguza Mizigo Bill, they have nothing substantive to offer except opposing his party’s initiative.
“The leaders should have a constitutional procedure to come up with amendments and this should be either the National Assembly or through popular initiative,” he said at Turkana County Assembly in Lodwar during an informal sensitization sitting with Members of County Assembly and residents on Punguza Mizigo bill.
Aukot said each of the 1450 ward unit will be primary units of accelerated development and hence will promote equity.
“I urge all MCAs to support the bill as it will ensure every Kenyan easily accesses development that include clean and affordable water, health services, schools and good roads thereby addressing marginalization. If each Kenyan accesses proper services, any Kenyan can be a president,” he said.
By Peter Gitonga
