Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo (standing) consults with former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' and former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga during the burial of Kajwang's grandmother Prisca Ondigo in Gongo location, Rangwe constituency on February 5, 2021. [James Omoro, Standard].
MCAs from Nyanza counties have been told to take a cue from their Siaya counterparts and pass the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), Referendum Bill.
Speaking on Friday during the burial of Prisca Ondigo, grandmother to Homa Bay Senator Moses Kanjwang’, at Gongo in Rangwe constituency, political leaders urged assemblies yet to pass the bill in the region to do so by Tuesday next week.
Senator Kajwang', Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, her Ruaraka counterpart Tom Kajwang', former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga and former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero have directed MCAs in the region to pass the bill.
On Thursday last week, Homa Bay County Assembly Speaker Elizabeth Ayoo said members will pass the Bill this coming Thursday.
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Senator Kajwang' said the bill will enable residents to get more funds for implementation of development through the introduction of the Ward Development Fund.
"The bill will also devolve more funds by 35 per cent to our counties and this will promote economic development in our counties," said Kajwang'.
Kidero threatened to hold a demonstration in Homa Bay town if MCAs will have failed to pass the bill by Tuesday.
"I am telling our MCAs to move with speed to pass the bill on Tuesday. Failure to which, I will lead a demonstration in Homa Bay to pile the pressure on them," Kidero said.
According to the Ruaraka MP, it is wrong for any county to complain that they have little time to undertake public participation.
He argued that public participation is aimed at enabling residents to interact with the bill.
"It will be shameful if Homa Bay County Assembly fails to pass the bill by Tuesday," he said.
Gogo told MCAs to deal with any bottleneck that might stop them from passing the bill.
"The BBI Bill will promote peace in the country because there will hardly be chaos after every General election," Gogo said.
Magwanga on his side said the proposed law will empower youths enabling those who acquired education loans through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to start repaying once employed.
"The proposed law will enhance empowerment and economic development in the country,” Magwanga said.
