Politics
Party briefs MPs on key changes
Posted Thursday, March 25 2010 at 22:34
The Orange Democratic Movement on Thursday briefed its MPs through changes it will push for in the draft constitution.
At a Parliamentary Group meeting, ODM said it will seek the creation of 25 regional governments and increase counties to between 74 and 80.
The meeting, chaired by Henry Kosgey and attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, also resolved to retain the current eight provinces.
“We are confident our amendments will sail through in Parliament next week,” party secretary-general Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o said after the meeting attended by more than 30 MPs.
Sources in the closed-door meeting who cannot be named because they are not authorised to speak on behalf of the party, said there was unanimity on the three units of devolution as explained to them by law lecturer Mutakha Kangu.
Those who spoke at the meeting are said to have stressed that the party stands by its often stated support for a Majimbo system of government.
The speakers, who included several Rift Valley MPs including Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu), Dr Sally Kosgei (Aldai) and Sammy Mwaita (Baringo Central) supported calls for the creation of the 25 regional governments within the existing provincial boundaries.
This was seen as a move to appease Rift Valley supporters who are opposed to Nakuru District being transferred to Central Province while increasing counties will appease supporters from “small” communities.
MPs Wilfred Machage (Kuria), Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon), Ekwe Ethuro (Turkana Central) and Sospeter Ojamong’ (Amagoro) said that their interests were not considered in the 47 counties as they could not produce a senator due to their fewer numbers.
ODM will need the backing of at least 145 MPs to pass any amendment in the House. Prof Nyong’o said ODM MPs had been tasked to lobby their friends in PNU to win their support for the changes.
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Submitted by olegaita66Posted March 26, 2010 09:01 PM
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Submitted by Kibutu Kiiru
From whomever, this is really confusing. The take all along has been that the 25 goverments shall replace the provinces and the counties to take what have under the districts. Where will the eight provinces again fit in. The work of sheer busybodies in a system. Can someone address the economic resources to sustain all these regions? When was the wealth to share created?
Posted March 26, 2010 03:42 PM -
Submitted by Lenana2010
I agree with these proposals but there must be very clear cut roles for these regional gvts and should not just be another way to enrich the elites.
Posted March 26, 2010 10:36 AM -
Submitted by waraqi
Wach kuyumba yumba. We all agreed with your initial position of having the draft passed without any amendments. Stop behaving in a jua kali manner guys Forget about these back forth back forth etc.
Posted March 26, 2010 12:29 AM
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We need to think and debate critically as a people and ask ourselves what we want.Why do we really want majimbo,is it out of fear of dominated by other communities,is it out because Politicians want to curve out enclaves they could control?Is it viable? Looking at the larger picture,the world is embracing big economic blocks while we want to divide ourselves into ethnic villages,does it make sense really?