Draft: Moi backs presidential system

Former President Moi Tuesday said the presidential system of government is best for Kenya.

He, however, warned that the new constitution should not divide Kenyans.

Speaking after meeting five Somali MPs at his Kabarnet Gardens offices in Nairobi, Mr Moi said the new constitution should provide one centre of power so that the people know whom to blame in case of problems.

The former president added that the presidential system was not dictatorial as expressed in some quarters.

“People think having presidential system is dictatorial. It is not. Parliamentary system will immediately breed tribal groupings. People in rural areas don’t know what parliamentary means,” he said.

“When power is concentrated in one person, people will know whom to pin down when thing things go wrong.”

He said even in parliamentary systems “a person can dictate from one corner and another from another corner.”

Mr Moi said Kenyans were divided on the system of government they wanted and that they should not be rushed without being educated on what they entailed.

“Countries like Britain took years to develop their constitution organs like House of Commons and House of Lords. One cannot think that he can bring such a system in Kenya just overnight. Those drafting the constitution are living in fantasy,” Mr Moi said.

He said presenting two systems of government for Kenyans to choose in a Yes-Yes vote as proposed by PNU “will not solve the problem or change Kenyans feelings.”

Mr Moi regretted that although the constitution is supposed to unite Kenyans, it was being discussed on tribal lines.

“The constitution is a document that is supposed to last for generations to come,” he said.

He said his call for Kenyans to return to Kanu was because it is a vehicle for uniting the country.