Kenyans living abroad back new law

• Group calls on the government to facilitate voting for Kenyans living in foreign countries.

Kenyans living in the diaspora have backed the draft constitution and have urged their countrymen at home to vote for it at the referendum.

Among issues they list as favourable include provisions on dual citizenship, devolving of powers from central government to counties and the electoral rules.

In the United Kingdom a lobby group, Kenya Movement for Democracy and Justice is planning a major rally in London to drum up support for the draft law.

According to the lobby chairman, Mr Ngethe wa Mbiyu the draft constitution has catered for the concerns of Kenyans living in the diaspora, paving way for their full participation at home.

The group is waiting for the announcement of the referendum date, after the publication of the draft constitution by the Attorney General on Thursday, before setting the date for the rally.

“The introduction of dual citizenship will encourage Kenyans who have acquired foreign citizenship to invest without hindrance or restrictions,” he said.

Currently, there are close to 1 million Kenyans living in the diaspora, remitting close to Sh50 billion annually.

“Our contribution to Kenyan economy should not be ignored,” said Mr Mbiyu.

A large number have taken up citizenship in these countries and as a result have been forced to give up their Kenyan  citizenship.

Regain citizenship

The new constitution will allow them to regain their citizenship.

Article 16 of the draft passed by Parliament last month reads: “A citizen by birth does not lose citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of  another country.”

Mr Mbiyu said those opposed to some clauses in the draft constitution should consider presenting amendments after it is passed instead of blocking it.

“The Kenyan constitution has always been subjected to amendments since independence therefore we don’t have any scepticism about future constitutional amendments,” he said.

Mr Mbiyu called on the Church leaders, who are opposing the draft to reconsider their stand for the good of the country.

“Many lives have been lost since 1990’s in the quest for reforms and the Church has been at forefront of challenging the past regime for failing to bring about reforms,” he said.

“If Kenya fails to have a constitution before 2012 it will be a regrettable moment of our lives.”

The group is calling on the government to facilitate voting for Kenyans living in foreign countries.