Aukot blasts Raila, Waiguru

Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot (right) and other party officials address the Media in Lavington yesterday. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot has blasted Opposition leader Raila Odinga and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, accusing them of propagating lies against the Punguza Mizigo Bill.

Dr Aukot said his bill had rubbed some people within the political class the wrong way, hence their spirited move to fight it.

“As the debate on the Punguza Mizigo Bill gains its own momentum, especially with growing support from the public and the county assemblies, it is very unfortunate that it has also been hijacked by a group of the political class who have told blatant lies about the bill,” said Aukot yesterday during a press conference in Nairobi.

Aukot further accused seven other leaders of spreading lies against the bill and frustrating it even though it is meant to help Kenyans.

“... it is important that Kenyans know who are those leaders telling lies about this important bill. We also note that the lies they are telling are out of sheer ignorance of the contents of the bill,” said Aukot.

He also named Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi and MPs Owen Baya (Kilifi North) and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay Woman Rep) as the other leaders inciting people against the bill.

Solve corruption

According to Aukot, some MCAs from Siaya and Kirinyaga counties who support the bill were to attend yesterday’s press briefing, but backed out after reporting they had received threats.

“If you are tempted as an MCA to take any money, please take it and buy your constituents some tea but reject their threats,” Aukot said, also noting that MCAs have obligations to Kenyans, not to their parties or party leaders.

Aukot also reminded the MCAs that they do not have pension, car grants, mortgage allowance or other benefits enjoyed by leaders trying to influence them to reject the bill.

While pointing out some lies allegedly spread by the leaders, Aukot affirmed that the bill would solve the issue of corruption because of the key amendments it proposes to the supreme law.

He also clarified that the bill seeks to retain all 47 counties and 1,450 wards as they will serve as the primary units of accelerating development.

Aukot also said the bill does not seek to undermine women but rather, ensure 50-50 representation of men and women.

Further, Aukot denied claims that he did not engage the public during the writing of the Bill.

He said some leaders have been lying to Kenyans that the bill proposes seven-year two terms of presidency yet it proposes one term of seven years.

Aukot also reassured that the Punguza Mizigo Bill seeks to promote equity by ensuring all Kenyans enjoy the benefits of devolution.

He termed the Building Bridges Initiative a political conmanship that was using the country’s resources without justification.