Politics
Raila wants fewer MPs in draft law
Prime Minister Raila Odinga addressing a gathering in Kibera in his Langata Constituency. PHOTO /PMPS
Posted Sunday, January 31 2010 at 20:00
In Summary
- Economy may not sustain proposed number, PM says and calls for chop
Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday asked the Committee of Experts to cut the number of MPs in the proposed constitution.
Speaking in his Lang’ata constituency, Mr Odinga argued that the 349 MPs suggested by the Parliamentary Select Committee was too big for the economy to sustain.
The 26-member PSC met for 11 days in Naivasha to seek cross-party consensus on the harmonised draft, and gave its report to the experts last Friday.
Recommendations
The Committee of Experts begins its meetings on Tuesday to consider the MPs’ recommendations which, though welcomed by many, also have their share of critics.
“I agree with you that the number suggested for MPs may be too big for our economy, and I hope that the CoE will pay attention to this. Let them use their expertise and come up with a figure that all Kenyans are comfortable with,” the PM said.
This was in response to the concern about the high number of MPs, raised during the meeting at Raila Village, next to the upgraded houses in Kibera.
Some NGOs have also called for a reduction, among them the Centre for Law and Research.
“We support the creation of special seats for interest groups. However, the proposed figures are too high,” Clarion executive director Morris Odhiambo said.
The PSC agreed on 80 new constituencies, 47 special seats for women and 12 nominated slots.
A member of the committee of experts who sought anonymity because she is not the team’s spokesperson confirmed that they will meet on Tuesday to look at PSC’s recommendations.
“We are meeting on Tuesday to discuss the document and see how we can proceed. It is a bit premature to say what will happen because we are just going through the report and expect that, by Tuesday, we shall have gone through it so that we can decide the next course of action,” she told the Nation.
The PSC vice-chairperson, Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba, said that his team was in constant touch with the experts to ensure the two teams worked closely and harmoniously.
“We are starting consultations with the CoE this afternoon. My colleague Abdikadir (Mohammed) and I on one side, and the committee’s chairman Nzamba Kitonga on the other because our roles are complementary. We are not in a supremacy battle,” Mr Namwamba said.
Mr Abdikadir Mohamed is the chairman of the PSC.
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Submitted by AthakaPosted February 02, 2010 01:24 PM
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Submitted by proundeastafrican
If we were to go USA system of representation( one congressman or senator representing 569,000 US citizizens) we would need about 80 MPS and Senators. I wonder how many right thinking Kenyans would say that our 220 do-nothing MPs represents Kenya more effective than their US counterparts. I think Kenya would be 10 times better served without a single MP than what we have now.
Posted February 02, 2010 10:13 AM -
Submitted by Norma2010
Kenyans should push for a capping of the money allocated to MPs' salaries. That way, if they want more seats, their salary is reduced accordingly. The PSC increased their privilegdes,and burdened the tax payer, then gave as an imperial presidency. Kenyans have not gained. They even gave themselves a chance to be cabinet ministers! So what is new?
Posted February 02, 2010 07:49 AM -
Submitted by wagatukuyu
Too little too late Mr Raila for you to make such a comment,you were in a position to prevail upon your party's reps at the PSC to make that proposal,it would have been of value.My family hails from a small village market in Gatundu south and not a single MP has ever done anything to change the face of the market,the current MP does not show his face but am sure he draws a salary.Our assistant chief does more to serve the villagers.Do i need an MP and a county rep?Come on guys
Posted February 02, 2010 01:32 AM -
Submitted by Makagolla
I support the PM 100%.We need fewer MPs who can do the job instead of too many who just politic day in day out.Let the COE also remove Kadhi courts from the draft.Put 18regions of devolution.Make sure no Mp is appointed cabinet.Either hybrid,parliamentary or pure presidential where MPs are not appointed to the cabinet.
Posted February 01, 2010 11:15 PM
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The constitution ought to be fair, equitable, and free from corruption. Constituencies ought to be rationalized. But since most will not entertain their constituencies being scrapped, what the solution? Do we want a new constitution that enforces biased systems? No argument is rational if it ignores the need for balanced representation.