PNU revises law team nominees' list

The Party of National Unity has revised its list of nominees to the team that will implement the new Constitution.

Ford-Kenya won a slot in the powerful Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee as PNU moved to address discontent by members over its previous list.

Kimilili MP Eseli Simiyu was selected to replace Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti of CCU during a stormy meeting at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Friday.

All the other 12 PNU members proposed to the committee were retained in a list that left Kanu and ODM-Kenya with two slots each, Safina and other small parties one each and PNU with 6.

The reconstitution of the list followed the rejection of that presented by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who is Leader of Government Business in Parliament on Thursday, resulting to adjournment of a motion for the adoption of the names to Tuesday.

“As a result of what happened yesterday (Thursday) the parliamentary group meeting was called for unity of purpose in the coalition. It is an alliance of the willing,” Mr Musyoka said.

The VP said the consultations were speeded up to avoid delaying the establishment of the committee and tabling of crucial bills in the House.

PNU chairman George Saitoti had held a breakfast meeting with Kanu chairman Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Musyoka who is ODM-Kenya leader on Thursday where the list that was rejected was compiled.

“We deliberated on how we are going to work as a team as far as PNU fraternity is concerned. Unity is crucial in implementation of new constitution and we are going to have periodical meetings,” Prof Saitoti said.

Mr Kenyatta also said the PG resolved that the coalition members be meeting regularly to show unity the implementation of the Constitution.

“We want to consolidate our position and be one solid strong team,” Mr Kenyatta said.

Youth and Sports assistant minister Kabando wa Kabando said consultations were important adding that it is what has been lacking in the party.

“Though even now insufficient, our position has compelled chieftains to stop in their tracks and listen. PNU is dry and critically in need of repairs. Exclusive sauna sessions must stop. New dispensation has demolished old ways, it is time up for those not yet tuned to new expectations,” Mr Kabando said.

Although Narc-Kenya, headed by Gichugu MP Martha Karua, cut links with PNU, its vice-chairman Asman Kamama attended Friday’s meeting.

Ford-Kenya, whose members Moses Wetangula, John Munyes, Bifwoli Wakoli and Mr Simiyu, were vocal in Parliament on Thursday, accusing PNU of failing to consult the Lion Party successful pushed for representation. All the four MPs including Mp Wetangula who moved the adjournment motion in Parliament attended the KICC talks.

Sources who attended the closed-door meeting said members were bitter with poor regional representation in the earlier list.

Some accused Central Kenya leaders of being selfish and bent on locking out its key political partners- Meru and Ukambani region in the implementation process.

Rift Valley members also complained that the vast region was given a raw deal.

Other proposed PNU members of the oversight committee are: Abdikadir Mohamed, Wilfred Ombui, Beth Mugo, Ali Mwakwere, David Ngugi, Amina Abdalla, Ekwee Ethuro, Martha Karua, Kilemi Mwiria, Philip Kaloki, Charles Kilonzo and Cecily Mbarire.

ODM proposed committee members include: Mr Ababu Namwamba, Danson Mwazo, Maalim Mohamed, Joyce Laboso, Joseph Nkaissery, Charles Onyancha. Alfred Khang’ati, Elizabeth Ongoro, John Mbadi, Julius Murgor, Lucas Chepkitony, Benedict Gunda, Rachel Shebesh and Millie Odhiambo.

The PNU meeting was the first after the coalition leaders were accused of poor leadership following the party’s poor performance in the recent by elections.