WertBlog

Got this from Facebook where a very interesting discussion is going on. For more info, visit the Soma Katiba group on Facebook - link here . Otherwise some content on merits and demerits of the proposed constitution: by Kimathi Kamencu Merits Chapter 1 1. The introduction of a Preamble is a step forward. You will remember (from yesterday’s discussion) that we had noted the lack of “local ownership” of our independence constitution. The preamble sets us out as a distinct people with a distinct history. Chapter 2 2. The recognition of the Devolved Government structure is also a positive provision in the PNC. You may have heard it said that some people groups in Kenya regard a journey to Nairobi as a visit to Kenya. It is hoped that the devolved structure will provide a framework that is real and equitable. More comments on this when we discuss the relevant chapter. 3. Recognition of Kiswahili as a national language is like music to my soul! I recall having recently read a poem entitle...

A Commentary by Pete Ondeng and Peter Waiyaki The public discourse on whether or not the Kadhi Courts should be included in the constitution has been wrongly interpreted by many to be a Christian vs Muslim affair. The often uninformed rhetoric by hard liners on both sides of the argument adds an unnecessary and potentially explosive element to the already charged political atmosphere. The issue here is not about religion, but about the constitution. The move to change the current constitution springs from an acknowledgement by most people that there are wrongs in the document that need to be made right. There are some basic rights, for instance, that the original constitution did not address, and which need to be enshrined in the new document. Similarly, there were some provisions that were included by those who negotiated the Lancaster House document that no longer hold water and need to be scrapped. The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) retreat in Naivasha, which was expected by m...