Parties asked to close ranks on constitution

PNU and ODM have been asked to avoid making divisive statements on the implementation of the new Constitution.

The National Economic and Social Council (Nesc) also recommended that Kenya’s blueprint to become a middle-income country in the next 20 years be revised to accommodate the current rates of economic growth.

In a statement read at the end of a two-day meeting in Nairobi on Saturday, Nesc said the implementation of the new laws was intertwined with high economic growth rates.

“The council noted the need for the coalition partners to speak with one voice on all matters of governance and to accord priority to the implementation of the Constitution and therefore all divisive politics must be avoided,” said Energy minister Kiraitu Murungi, who read the statement.

The council also recommended that Kenyans be educated further on the benefits of the new Constitution.

On the first day of the meeting, concern was raised over the police’s awareness of the Bill of Rights given the force they used as they battled protesters in Nakuru on Thursday.

“It is important to clarify that some of the benefits of the new Constitution may not be achieved immediately but progressively,” said Mr Murungi.

There has been a fallout between the two parties over the presence of Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir at the ceremony to promulgate the new laws in Nairobi last Friday.

ODM said it would be investigating the invitation of the man indicted by the International Criminal Court while Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula defended the government.

Fielded candidates

The next battle between Kenya’s two main parties will be in by-elections slated for September 20 in Juja, Starehe and Makadara, where they have fielded candidates.

Nesc is composed of the Prime Minister and his two deputies, 18 ministers, the Attorney-General, four local experts, representatives of registered professional bodies, Central Bank of Kenya governor and a team of international experts.