Wiper gives BBI ultimatum as it opposes Punguza Mizigo

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (right) addresses a press conference alongside the newly elected party chairman Chirau Ali Mwakwere during the party's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nairobi on July 28, 2019. [David Njaaga,Standard]

The Wiper Democratic Movement has hit out at the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) for taking too long to present its proposals for a referendum push.

This emerged after the party yesterday voiced its strong opposition to the Punguza Mizigo Bill that was recently tabled in all 47 county assemblies. The bill is seeking a constitutional change after passing the required one million signatures.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka (pictured) accused the BBI of working at a “snail's speed” and gave it a 60-day ultimatum to present its proposals that it has been collecting across the country for over a year now. 

“We are putting pressure on BBI. They should wake up and give the country their proposals. The Punguza Mizigo is hoodwinking Kenyans and we blame the BBI for walking at a snail speed,” said Kalonzo.

The BBI was formed last March after the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Kalonzo was speaking at the Kenya School of Law following a two-day Wiper retreat that saw Chirau Ali Makwere announced national chairman while Agnes Kanyi deputy chairperson.

Mwakwere’s appointment was after Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana quit the post. Mwakwere and his deputy will be in acting capacity until their election is ratified at a national delegates forum to be announced later. 

Kalonzo said Kibwana was never discussed and would remain as a Wiper member and Governor.

Mwakwere said the bill lacked public participation and urged county assemblies to exercise caution. 

He said the bill was “taking away” the rights of women, youth and people with disabilities.

Raila has also dismissed the Ekuru Aukot-led initiative and asked Kenyans to wait for the BBI proposals.

The party also called for mediation concerning the Division of Revenue Bill.