Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has asked Ward Representatives (MCAs) to end the ongoing debates on the Punguza Mizigo Bill by officially rejecting the proposals in their respective assemblies.
Amollo, who is also a renowned lawyer, asked the MCAs to ignore a directive by County Assembly Forums (CAF) to halt discussion of the initiative by Ekuro Aukot’s Thirdway Alliance.
He said CAF, through its Secretary-General Kipkurui Chepkwony, has no powers to suspend debate of any constitutional amendment bill forwarded to the county assemblies for discussion.
"I have seen a directive by one Chepkwony, CAF SG, “freezing” discussion of Punguza Mizigo! What does he smoke! CAF has no power to stop anything! Least of all what is Constitutionally sanctioned! All assemblies to IGNORE this fellow; Make Haste and Reject The Initiative!" Amollo tweeted on Thursday night.
In a statement on Wednesday, Chepkwony asked MCAs to stop debating on the Aukot's Bill, or any other, to allow the public to air their views on the need for a referendum.
"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," he said.
"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," Chepkwony added.
Aukot, a constitutional expert, has poured cold water on the directive saying all the 47 county assemblies have until October 20 to reject or support the Punguza Bill.
“No one can amend a constitutional timeline unless by way of articles 256 and 257,” the 2017 presidential candidate said.