PNU faults revised draft law

President Kibaki’s PNU on Wednesday seemed to set the stage for rejecting the revised draft constitution by saying the Committee of Experts ignored the views of Kenyans. But ODM criticised its coalition partner, PNU, for announcing its position in the middle of consultations.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga led 10 ODM members of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on the constitution in accusing PNU of acting in bad faith and undermining national consensus building efforts by jumping the gun and stating its stand.

Ignoring views

At a press conference addressed by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, PNU tore into the revised draft presented to the PSC. The party accused the Committee of Experts of ignoring the views submitted by Kenyans in the revised draft constitution, especially regarding the executive.

The PNU Coalition Supreme Council met at a Nairobi hotel, where they maintained that they supported a presidential system with effective checks and balances that safeguard against abuse of power. The leaders said PNU rejects “the mongrel hybrid proposed in the draft which would be a recipe for conflict and chaos”.

“It is very clear that Kenyans have stated that they want to directly elect their leaders. At no time have Kenyans contemplated that their right to elect their leader would be taken away and bequeathed to parliamentarians,” the VP said.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, ministers Beth Mugo, Kiraitu Murungi and Mutula Kilonzo, and President Kibaki’s adviser on constitutional matters Kivutha Kibwana, also attended the press conference. Mr Musyoka said PNU was still at a loss as to why the experts had not shared with the public the Hansard record on deliberations as required by the law.

The PNU coalition has instructed its secretariat to write to the draft experts demanding to receive copies of the 1.7 million views as well as the Hansard record, he added. The PSC is set to go on a retreat next week to discuss the draft.

On Wednesday, Mr Odinga left Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi to read the ODM position to journalists at his Treasury Building office after chairing the meeting.

Will meet Thursday

“ODM remains firmly committed to achieving consensus on the constitution review process and delivering a new constitution to Kenyans by the agreed date this year,” Mr Mudavadi said.

He said the grand coalition management committee, which brings together ODM and PNU ministers under the stewardship of President Kibaki and Mr Odinga, will meet on Thursday to strike a deal on the new constitution.

Mr Mudavadi said ODM was for the parliamentary system, where government is accountable to the people through Parliament as opposed to an imperial presidency, which is undemocratic and opaque.

PNU and ODM have been working out separately since Monday in an attempt to strike a deal before the 27-member committee assembles in Naivasha to discuss the document.