Kilonzo calls for sober draft debate

Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo on Friday urged politicians to approach debate on the harmonised draft constitution with a sober mind.

Mr Mutula termed the political succession debate as 'selfish’ yet the new draft had included the rights of the child in Article 41.

“The current debate on the constitution is politically inclined, leaving out the most vulnerable citizens the children,” Mr Mutula said.

The minister was appalled by the delay in hearing cases involving children adding the longevity increased suffering especially in cases of rape, torture and physical abuse.

“Amongst the reforms is to introduce ICT to hasten the handling of cases in Children’s Courts countrywide,” Mr Mutula said adding officer in departments countrywide would undergo refresher courses to enable them efficiently handle emerging issues affecting the young.

The minister called for the full adoption of Article 41 during the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at KICC Friday.

The State of the World’s Children report was also launched detailing the progress achieved globally since the UN General Assembly adopted it two decades ago.

According to government statistics, the entire population is estimated at 36 million of which 19.2 million are children.

The minister quoted Clause 41 of the draft constitution that recognises that a child holds a special place in the society and should be protected by the State.

Parents are obliged by the draft to nurture and protect their children by providing basic necessities in terms of food, clothing, healthcare and shelter.

According to the proposed new law, all children have equal rights to a name, registration, free and compulsory education.

“Parents who fail to enroll their children to school shall be arrested and charged according to the new law,” Mr Mutula warned parents.

Any form of exploitation in the form of undergoing harmful cultural practices, exploitation and forced labour will also be outlawed in the draft legal document.

The government, he said, had placed measures to introduce comprehensive child centres with services like toll-free lines, guidance and counselling units and protection units to encourage child development.

Also present at the function was nominated MP Millie Odhiambo, Public Health director Shanaaz Shariff and Sotik MP Joyce Laboso.