Team formed to dialogue on new law

President Kibaki shakes hands with Bishop Boniface Adoyo as Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka looks on. The church leaders met at Harambee House, Nairobi to discuss issues on the proposed draft constitution on April 8, 2010. Photo/FREDRICK ONYANGO

Kenya church leaders and the government have agreed to form a committee to dialogue on contentious issues in the draft constitution.

The decision was reached after a marathon meeting between representatives of the Catholic Church and the National Council of Churches of Kenya on one hand and President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka on the other.

"It was agreed that a smaller committee of representatives from both the government and the churches be immediately established to look into the areas of concern raised by the churches in regard to the proposed constitution, for accommodation in subsequent legislation and amendments," said a statement from the President's office.

The meeting focused on the proposed constitution and the upcoming referendum later in the year, added the statement.

"Today’s meeting further agreed on the need for the Church and State to engage in further dialogue with a view to achieving consensus and establish a way forward on the contentious issues raised by the Church leaders."

The leaders agreed to commit themselves to ensuring that the nation remains united during the entire constitutional review process until a new document is attained.

Another meeting is slated for next week.

The meeting held at the Office of the President was called to reach a compromise on contested issues of kadhi's courts and abortion.