Talks key in saving new law, says PSC

The Parliamentary Select Committee on the constitution is prepared to meet religious leaders over clauses in the new law that they have objected to.

“No number of threats will address the concerns of Christian leaders. The best way is to sit down and find a way out,” said PSC vice-chairman Ababu Namwamba.

He said the current judicial system in Kenya favoured Christians and asked religious leaders not to behave like the proverbial ostrich that buries its head in the sand.

“We cannot make a constitution for Christians, Muslims, or a political party. We are making this constitution for Kenyans and have created room for amendments.

“We have Kadhis courts and the clause on abortion in our current constitution,” he said.

Mr Namwamba was speaking in Kisumu during a workshop organised for workers and some MPs by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions

Elsewhere, Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa asked church leaders to support the proposed constitution.

The MP, who addressed several rallies in Milo, Makunga, Pwani, and Naitiri markets, said the country could not afford to go to referendum divided.

Separately, Christian leaders were asked to stop derailing the new law on the basis of Kadhis courts.

Speaking in Kisii town yesterday, Migori Muslim Community Development chairman Omar Ibrahim Hussein asked why Christians have in the past not raised questions about Kadhis courts, which are in the current constitution.

In Baringo, the civil society has threatened to mobilise the residents to reject the proposed new constitution if some issues in the draft were not reviewed.

The Multi-Sectoral National Salvation Forum, North Rift, cited the clause on regional governance, claiming that it was not clear.

Reported by Ouma Wanzala, Erick Ngobilo, Benson Nyagesiba and Wyciff Kipsang