Kalonzo bucks the trend over new law

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday appeared to contradict the position taken by the Cabinet on a new constitution.

The VP told a church congregation in Nairobi to continue speaking out on issues they were uncomfortable with.

“Why should we (politicians) want to antagonise the church? The church should continue speaking out and I believe this is your time. We should never close the window on dialogue because this is the only way to a united country,” he said.

Mr Musyoka also suggested that Attorney General Amos Wako and Speaker Kenneth Marende, who were present, come up with a referendum law.

He said referendum questions should allow Kenyans to vote “yes” for the proposed constitution and “yes with certain amendments”.

The VP was speaking at Rev David Oginde’s consecration as the bishop of the Christ is the Answer Ministries.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Musalia has said the government will use everything in its arsenal to ensure Kenyans vote for a new constitution,

Speaking in Mumias, Mr Mudavadi said constitution-making was a key item of the National Accord and the government had an obligation to ensure new laws came into force as agreed.

“The State is bound by the accord to ensure we have a new constitution,” he said.

Extra mile

Mr Mudavadi said the government would go the extra mile to campaign for the new constitution even if it meant using State resources because even those opposed to it were using government vehicles.

In Nakuru, a lobby group advised religious leaders to review their hard-line stance on the draft constitution.

Likia and Beyond Conflict Resolution Consortium, led by Bishop Abraham Gitu, said the division between the Government and the Church was not healthy and both sides must learn to be tolerant.