City lawyer Donald Kipkorir has dismissed the much-hyped 'Punguza Mzigo' referendum, arguing that only President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga can initiate a referendum.
On Thursday, IEBC confirmed that Ekuru Aukot-led team had managed to collect over 1 million signatures, paving way for major constitutional changes.
Aukot, who was among drafters of the current constitution, hailed Kenyans for enabling him to collect the required signatures which now allows IEBC to send the draft bill to counties.
"The VERDICT is out. Thank you Kenyans for your support. Over 1.2 Million reg voters who endorsed #PunguzaMizigoBill2019. We came to you, you listened and endorsed. We thank @IEBCKenya for the above board signature verification exercise. This is for the people of KE," said the Third Alliance party leader in a tweet.
But Kipkorir, a constitutional expert, said that only Uhuru and Raila can manage to initiate constitutional changes, adding that the current push will not sail through.
He termed Aukot's bill as sideshows, arguing that only the two leaders control the masses in Kenya, who are critical in a referendum.
"The Only Referendum that will go to National Vote is the ONE that will be fronted by the President & Baba ... Others will suffer infant mortality .. We may get excited with other sideshows, but National Political Chessboard is in the hands of the two ... Truth sets us free," he tweeted.
Aukot will now have to convince at least half of the County Assemblies to pass the bill. Should it be successful, County Speakers will notify the Senate and National Assembly.
At the two houses, he will require majority support for the Bill to pass. Thereafter, the President will assent it into law. Should it fail, the bill will be subjected to people for voting.