Nyachae opposes bid for public vote
The country is not ready for a referendum seeking to amend the Constitution, top officials of two commissions have said.
Constitution Implementation Commission (CIC) chair Mr Charles Nyachae and Githunguri MP Njoroge Baiya of Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) said it was too early for governors to call for a referendum.
The two said over the weekend said that there was need to give more time for the implementation of the supreme law. Mr Nyachae (pictured) said that CIC’s position is to see the Constitution work.
“We are not as yet persuaded about the need for a referendum. It is of course a constitutional right for Kenyan citizens to initiate a referendum but not us as CIC. We don’t support it,” Mr Nyachae said.
He called on Kenyans to focus their energies in ensuring that the Constitution is fully implemented and that it works for the good of Kenyans. “We have only just reached halfway the constitutionally stipulated period for implementation and we cannot call for amends every time things get sticky,” he added.
Mr Njoroge said those pushing for changes were merely playing politics.
“Those are statements of intentions and any attempt to make changes does not necessarily mean it will go through,” he said.
Kandara MP and CIOC member Alice Wahome said the mandates provided for in the Constitution were arrived at after consultations by various stakeholders and lack of sufficient roles by Governors and Senators should not result to a referendum.
“As National Assembly, we shall continue to defend and uphold the Constitution. We are equal to the task to take on the Governors and senators in case they call for a referendum,” she said.
