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End divisive politics, pleads Kibaki
Stephen Mudiari | NATION
President Kibaki, with from left, House Speaker Kenneth Marende, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the breakfast prayer meeting at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on May 26, 2011. President Kibaki and Mr Marende urged MPs to stop divisive politics.
What you need to know:
- Diversionary politics could derail putting of new the Constitution into effect, President cautions MPs
President Kibaki and National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende on Thursday called for an end to political sideshows.
Speaking at a prayer breakfast meeting, President Kibaki and Mr Marende said political sideshows could derail the implementation of the new Constitution.
The two also promised to push for speedy enactment of laws required to implement the Constitution.
“Let us say no to political sideshows that can slow the implementation process,” the President said.
He said he was impressed by the progress made so far in creating some constitutional commissions and publication of some Bills.
“So far, commissions crucial to the implementation of the Constitution have been established, namely the Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution and the Commission on Revenue Allocation,” he said.
He added the Cabinet had already approved several Bills, including the Supreme Court Bill and the Independent Offices Bill, which would set up offices of Controller of Budget and Auditor General.
Mr Marende said Parliament was determined to meet the strict timelines set for the enactment of various laws required to get the Constitution into operation.
He urged politicians to shun divisive politics and debate the Bills soberly.
“The onus of sustaining the momentum of the constitutional implementation falls squarely on all of us. Leadership and commitment are key in this process.
“The time has come for all of us to put aside narrow interests and sideshows and work with focus, for the good of our nation and for our prosperity,” he stated.
The Speaker expressed confidence that Parliament would deliver on its mandate of debating and enacting the various laws required to put the Constitution into effect.
“For now, the various phases of the constitutional implementation process have proceeded on schedule and are by and large, on course. Our deadline is August 27, this year. Watch us, we will deliver,” he pledged.
Mr Marende noted that law reforms would ensure fair distribution of resources among Kenyans.
“Reforms must confront, challenge and pull down the retrogressive culture of impunity and replace it with a culture of constitutionalism, transparency and accountability,” he stated.
