Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has publicly challenged activist and comedian Eric Omondi over his ambitious popular-initiative campaign to reduce Kenya’s counties from 47 to 8.
The clash unfolded as Omondi intensified his signature-collection drive under the “#PunguzaMzigo” banner, aiming to consolidate Kenya into eight regional blocks modeled after the country’s former provinces. Omondi argues that the current devolved administrative structure is an unsustainable financial burden that breeds corruption and over-representation. He claims the savings generated by abolishing 39 county governments and various nominated legislative seats could fully fund free education from primary school through university.
Jalang’o, however, threw cold water on the campaign, raising strict constitutional and procedural roadblocks that stand in Omondi’s path.
Jalang’o questioned how Omondi expects a bill to pass through Parliament when it seeks to abolish the very seats occupied by the lawmakers voting on it. “Even if you collected 50 million signatures, it will still come to Parliament to be voted on by the same people you want to do away with,” the MP noted.
Under Article 257 of the Constitution, a popular initiative requires at least one million verified signatures. Jalang’o reminded Omondi that he must also meet strict geographical thresholds, including securing signatures from at least 20% of registered voters across the counties.
Before reaching a national referendum, any draft bill amending the structure of devolved government must be approved by a majority of the 47 county assemblies—the exact administrative bodies Omondi’s plan targets for downsizing.
Jalang’o suggested Omondi should have submitted his recommendations during official constitutional review forums, such as the recent Katiba @ 16 celebrations.
Despite the criticism, Omondi remains defiant, announcing that his team has already gathered over 450,000 signatures from regions including Kakamega, Meru, and Mombasa, and aims to trigger a national referendum alongside the 2027 General Election.
