Wetang’ula opposes Punguza Mizigo initiative, but supports law reforms

Senator Moses Wetang’ula (pictured) has voiced his opposition to the Punguza Mizigo Bill, saying the referendum bid was bad for the country.

Speaking in Mombasa yesterday, Mr Wetang’ula said while changes to the Constitution were imperative, the Bill fronted by lawyer Ekuru Aukot was the wrong method of bringing them.

Wetang’ula said among the changes he supports in the Constitution are dismantling the current presidential system and strengthening devolution.

“The Constitution has gaps. It was written in a hurry and there was a lot of foreign interference that brought about a presidential system that promotes exclusion,” he said.

“We need a more responsive constitution.”

He added that Dr Aukot has lured many Kenyans with false promises.

“This thing by Aukot is misguided. It seeks to emasculate representation,” Wetang’ula said.

He noted that Aukot’s bid to reduce the number of political seats and abolish the position of deputy governor was wrong.

He said Aukot’s assertion that the current Parliament was responsible for Kenya’s economic problems was misleading.

“We need a new law to combat graft, spur growth and check these people called tenderprenuers,” Wetang’ula said.

Wetang’ula also questioned the Government’s commitment to reforms in the education sector, describing ongoing attempts to eradicate the 8-4-4 system and adopt a new curriculum as a “cruel joke”.

He said the education reforms were meant to experiment with the children’s future. At the same time, Wetang’ula said the Kenya Revenue Authority should audit the source of money that politicians give to churches.

He also blamed the church for accepting money from suspect sources. He said by doing so, religious leaders were promoting the idea that a nation can be developed through charity.

While commenting about the just-concluded census, Wetang’ula said the questionnaire used was too long and tedious for no justifiable reason.

The Ford Kenya leader said Luhya people and their politicians should not be ashamed of uniting as a tribe to capture power.