At least 24 County Assemblies have voted to pass the BBI Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2020, paving way for its debate in Parliament.
In the latest update, Kirinyaga is the 25th County Assembly to pass the proposal to amend the Constitution through the Building Bridges Initiative, surpassing the 24 threshold required before the Bill can be transmitted to the Senate and National Assembly.
Other County Assemblies that voted on “Super” Tuesday to pass the Bill include; Kakamega, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Lamu, Machakos, Murang’a, Bungoma, Kitui, Taita Taveta, Narok, Garissa and Nakuru.
Others that recently voted to pass the Bill include Nairobi, Vihiga, Laikipia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Busia, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Kajiado, Kisii and Samburu.
Read: “Watajua Hawajui”: Ruto On Stopping BBI Reggae [Video]
Only Baringo out of the 47 County Assemblies in Kenya has rejected the Bill so far.
According to the Constitution of Kenya, if the Bill is supported by a majority of the members of Parliament it shall be subjected to a referendum.
The referendum is expected to be held sometime in June, according to proponents of the BBI.
Despite criticism from Deputy President William Ruto and his Tangatanga allies President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner Raila Odinga continue to rally support for the BBI arguing that its proposals will help deal with historical injustices.
Read Also: Little Chance Of New Ideas In BBI Report, Just Editorial Changes – Raila
Ruto and his allies are particularly opposed to proposals to expand the Executive and introduce the Office of the Prime Minister a move they say is aimed at creating positions for “selfish” leaders.
BBI also proposes an amendment of the Constitution to introduce additional 70 MP seats in what its drafters say is meant to address issues touching on gender, People living with disabilities and under-representation in heavily populated counties.
The proposal will see the National Assembly have a total of 360 MPs up from the current 290.
In the Senate, Kenyans will vote for 94 Senators if the Bill is passed.
The House will be composed of one man and one woman elected in each of the 47 counties.
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