Leaders agree on review but differ on timing
By Sunday Standard Team
Members of Parliament are agreed that Kenyans will get a new constitution, but differ on whether the timing is right as proposed by international law expert, Prof Yash Pal Ghai.
The MPs, however, said the only obstacle were individuals with an eye to the presidency in 2012 that may not be interested in a new constitution.
The MPs said Parliament was in the process of passing the requisite amendment Bills to pave way for the much-awaited new constitution.
Some of the MPs agreed with Prof Ghai the time was now for Kenyans to have a new constitution while others feared the drive towards a new constitutional order would divide Kenyans as it did in 2005.
Alego Usonga MP Edwin Yinda and his nominated counterpart Sheikh Mohammed Dor agreed with Prof Ghai that it was “now or never”
Ghai had said it was the right time to make a new constitution since almost every constitution comes at a critical moment for a country.
Yinda said there was need for a new constitution to bring changes Kenyans have been demanding.
“We cannot get the change we want unless there is a new constitution to address the problem of ethnicity,” he said.
Sheikh Dor said there was need for a new constitution but disagreed with Prof Ghai that it must be now.
He said the words used by Ghai – now or never – were not acceptable because there were some burning issues, which must be thrashed out.
He said the issue of whether the country should have an executive prime minister or executive president should be discussed.
He, however, said the new constitution could be ready in less than a year following MPs’ positive mood.
Molo MP Joseph Kiuna and former Subukia Koigi wa Wamwere expressed fears that a constitutional making process may divide Kenyans more.
National healing
Kiuna said leaders should preach national reconciliation and healing among communities first.
“The constitution may end up being held hostage by existing tribal animosity,” he said.
He gave the example of his constituency where people from different tribes still view others suspiciously.
Koigi suggested that a Truth and Reconciliation Commission be established or a national conference on ethnicity be held before the process.
He said through a national conference historical injustices and ethnic differences would be addressed.
“This will make it easier for the enactment of anew constitution which would only rubber stamp recommendations from the forum,” he added.
Rongai MP Luka Kigen, however, agreed with Prof Ghai but expressed fears some politicians with an eye on 2012 may not be keen.
“There are some who have a seen an opening and are salivating at the prospect of inheriting the existing powers of the presidency,” he said.
He attributed most problems especially in Rift Valley to the current constitution and called on the government to speed up the process.
“The current constitution has brought inequalities among different regions and we should have new one urgently,” he said.
Security Assistant Minister Simeon Lesrima defended MPs from accusations of playing delay tactics, saying parliament was in the last three months overwhelmed by many activities that included resettlement of internally displaced people.
“We are ready and willing to give Kenyans a new constitution,” he said.
Former Cabinet minister Mr G.G Kariuki also supported Prof Ghai, that this was the best moment to get a new constitution.
Courtesy of:http://www.eastandard.net/news
4 users commented in " “We cannot get the change we want unless there is a new majimbo constitution to address the problem of ethnicity,” says Edwin Yinda, Alego Usonga MP "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackIt is the right time to have a new constitution for kenyans. Reconciliation will only come when
a new constitution is put in place.New constitution will address the injustice which
the present constitution overlook.
In fact, Kikuyu should not fear constitution because everybody will be protected.We want a constitution which takes care of everybody not just a section of kenyans.The idea of domination by one tribe should be a gone case because we are to build kenya for everybody.
Majimbo must be put in the constitution inorder distribute developments equally to every part
of the country.It is the only tool which will help other kenyans enjoy their local resources.
The anti majimbo elements who supported DEVELOPMENT to at constituency level have seen
how CDF has been messed.
Therefore,we want a bigger region like jimbo which can be government by credible leaders elected not selected . It is selection which has brought problems of running CDF smoothly.
[...] ? “We cannot get the change we want unless there is a new majimbo constitution to address the … [...]
the timing is perfect its now or never
Mr.KOIGI WA WAMWERE AND MR. JOSEPH KIUNA,
The Freedom of speech isn’t something you can give and withhold depending on the topic and situation. The most controversial opinion need the most protection and that is why professor Yash pal Ghali’s position and opinion need room and more attention.
Both of you have believed in tribal and mental disturbances yet you understand this is not MOI and KENYATTA.I can’t believe someone like you (Koigi) is giving such an outdated opinion that can’t absorb the desire for anew country and generation to come.
Perhaps in your days it could have been appropriate to read tripe that portrayed other communities and leaderships of the present as different as day and night because of the electoral violence of last year, orchestrated by tribal leadership you both belong.
Kenya expect better than this blatant misogynistic notion and forced policies. Our fight for a free Kenya is not the true culprit in the so-called they don’t understand crisis (other tribes). The problem is you and others who are bitter and cynical about the new and major steps that Kenya has come.
The problem that, if a new constitution is enacted and achieved it will change the tribal dimension and bring division with separations in Kenya you are both wrong, Kenyans believe and will continue to believe in the new document as the only solution.
What justice and reconciliation to you require unless you have anew life and new constitutional thinking Koigi? Teaching young leaders and youths of tomorrow to be disdainful of what is considered a Kenyan motto and spirit,is the ultimate form of masculinity, that is the Kenya we want and the way of bringing togetherness and strong neighborhood.
Khaguli Maurice nandwa
Western Kenyan Movement For Change
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