Had Nyamira Assembly passed Punguza Mizigo Bill on Tuesday, Majority Leader Duke Masira has said, it could have been betrayal to Dr Fred Matiang'i and Raila Odinga.
The Punguza Mizigo Bill technically failed in Nyamira on Tuesday after MCAs failed to second it, a move that led to its suspension for another six months.
MCAs across Kenya have until next month to debate and pass the bill. This means Nyamira Assembly has joined counties which have already rejected the bill.
Siaya, Homa Bay and Murang'a County Assemblies are those which have already dismissed the bill on grounds that it lacked inclusivity. Only Uasin Gishu County has passed the Thirdway Alliance sponsored bill.
Mr Masira, who doubles as Township MCA, said the bill was bound to fail given that Nyamira Assembly is backing the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
"To begin with, this is an ODM zone. The party position is already known and we couldn't go against it. After all we read and established that it's not good for our people.
"As a county, we are backing the BBI. It would have been embarrassment to Dr Matiang'i and Raila if we passed the bill," said Mr Masira.
For the bill to proceed to the next level, at least 24 county assemblies must endorse it. Already, all major parties among them ODM and Jubilee have rejected it.
Dr Ekuru Aukot must now do extra lobbying to have the bill going for referendum. He has been accusing Mr Odinga of sabotaging the bill by inciting MCAs.
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