A ‘Yes’ vote will pave the way for birth of Second Republic

Prime Minister Raila Odinga is back on the campaign trial in support of the proposed constitution after a three-week break following surgery. He spoke to Sunday Nation News Editor Mugumo Munene

You have fought hard for reforms and even sacrificed personally in the quest for a new constitution. Is the proposed constitution what you were looking for?

This is the defining moment ion this crusade which actually goes back to the 1960s. The struggle started at that time when the Lancaster House devolved system was dissolved, the Senate abolished and power centralized. From then on, power kept moving from the periphery to the centre. The struggle intensified from 1990. This was another defining moment with the likes of Jaramogi, Njoya, Okullu, Muge, Rubia and us. This coincided with the end of the cold war and the international community put some pessure. It’s been a long and treacherous journey.

What do you especially like about the proposed constitution?

The provisions on human rights and devolution.

But you had initially proposed a parliamentary system. Why did you change your mind?

We had preferred either a parliamentary system or a pure presidential system as opposed to a hybrid of the two. In a hybrid system, like we have now, you have a problem in that ministers are appointed from among MPs. So ministers are both a part of the executive and members of the legislature. In the parliamentary system, the prime minister is accountable to Parliament directly. I did not loose. What we got was a pure presidential system.

What about devolution?

It’s about how you devolve resources and power. What was in the Wako draft was delegation not devolution. In the proposed constitution the counties have sufficient powers and the resources to exercise that power.

The ‘No’ campaign proponents have been asking for amendments on some sections. Do they have a case? Should anything be amended if the proposed constitution passes?

I think the majority of them a hypocrites, especially the politicians. When they talk about the right to life, they refer to Article 26 (4) and not the proceeding articles 26 (1), 26 (2)  and 26 (3) which show that life begins at conception and that a person shall not be deprived of life intentionally. And the same people have not even opposed the death penalty. Is it less painful? I opposed the death penalty in Bomas but the majority including the church supported it.

The issue of land has also been misrepresented to instill far in innocent peasants that their land will be taken away when the proposed constitution dos not say as much. The few land grabbers who fear about their land are now rallying innocent peasants.

Should the proposed constitution pass, the agenda for parliament will be quite heavy. What is your message to MPs?

The 10^th Parliament has a historical duty to anchor the new constitution to the people of Kenya. It’s a role that was only played by the First Parliament in 1963. Judging by the caliber of membership, I believe it is equal to the task thrust upon it by history. There are so many Bills to pass in the next two years and it will require unity of purpose. They’ll need to be selfless and be able to pass the laws. This requires a total attitudinal change. There has to be consultation and cooperation and MPs should shun confrontation and partisan politics so that they can deliver.

What would you tell Kenyan citizens ahead of the August 4 vote?