County assemblies forum calls for halt of Punguza Mizigo debate

The County Assemblies Forum (CAF) has called for a suspension of debate on Punguza Mizigo Bill in all county assemblies to allow public participation.

The lobby has also asked the county assemblies to ignore other initiatives such as the much spoken Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and Ugatuzi Initiative.

CAF Secretary General Kipkurui Chepkwony on Wednesday said the suspension was vital to allow the public to air in their views through efficient public participation.

He said by ignoring other debates, it will give time from the people to look into the Punguza Mizigo Bill and make a final decision on the way forward.

"In light of the on-going debates on the constitutional amendments, and the impending Referendum we have resolved that the county assemblies should ignore other initiatives to avoid bringing confusion to Kenyans," Chepkwony said.

Chepkwony, who is also the Nandi County Assembly Speaker said all the assemblies should target to finalise public participation by October 11.

"As CAF we will have a sitting on October 11 to take a common position on the Bill and also consider views from the public," he said.

He added, "We will also give direction to county assemblies for the best interest of the citizens of this country".

However, he stated that the current decision to suspend the debate will not affect the counties that have already debated on it.

His sentiments were echoed by Nyandarua County Speaker Ndegwa Wahome saying public participation exercise will give the assemblies time to engage the electorates as well as other stakeholders before making a final decision on the Bill.

"We have agreed to go out there in the public and listen to other members of the assembly and thereafter meet on October 11 to know which best decision to take on the Bill for the interest of the country," Wahome, who is CAF chairman said.

He added, "Whatever we shall agree on that day, all the assemblies in Kenya will be required to together move motions on the Bill on October 15".

Wahome said debates on the building bridges and Ugatuzi initiative at this time is only confusing Kenyans even more.

So far four out of five counties have rejected the bill.

Only Uasin Gishu passed the bill while Kirinyaga, Murang'a Nakuru and Siaya counties rejected it all together.