Lobbies alarmed by slow reforms
Civil society organisations led by former governance Permanent Secretary John Githongo and constitutional lawyer Prof Yash Pal Ghai said it was unfortunate that eight months after the promulgation of the supreme law, its implementation had been relegated to the sidelines. Photo/FILE
Lobby groups have expressed disappointment over the slow pace of enacting Bills crucial to the implementation of the new Constitution.
The civil society organisations led by former governance Permanent Secretary John Githongo and constitutional lawyer Prof Yash Pal Ghai said it was unfortunate that eight months after the promulgation of the supreme law, its implementation had been relegated to the sidelines.
Instead, it appears that the bid to save the Ocampo six from the jaws of the International Criminal Court was being given priority even as Kenyans reel from the effects of high food prices.
The six, who have already made their initial appearance at the ICC, include Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, head of Public Service Francis Muthaura, Post Master General Hussein Ali, suspended Cabinet ministers Henry Kosgey and William Ruto and Kass FM presenter Joshua arap Sang.
They expressed worry over ‘the increased tribalisation’ of the country’s politics warning that if left unchecked, the trend portends trouble.
“Inequalities in the country are deepening, partly as a result of rises in the price of oil and food ... Kenyans are now sliding below the absolute poverty line,” they said in a statement read at a news conference yesterday by Ms Ikal Angelet.
She went on: “All this is happening as the Vice President has spent millions of dollars on the instructions of the President on a blatant futile mission to get the ICC off Kenya’s back at the United Nations.”
The group added that the government was spending millions of taxpayers money paying the legal fees of foreign professionals to defend individuals who are suspects in crimes against humanity.
“We say no. You will not take the nation away from us. We have fought too hard to get here,” the lobby groups told the leaders.
Prof Ghai said the country was behind schedule in enacting key Bills that would ensure the full implementation of the new constitution including one that will guide the next elections.
Mr Odenda Lumumba of the Kenya Land Alliance said it was sad that most issues that led to the post election violence were yet to be addressed.
