Opinion
Let’s not mislead the people on the draft constitution
Posted Monday, November 30 2009 at 18:28
The draft gives power of self-governance to the local communities. This system will, at best, enhance participation of the people in exercise of power.
The draft does not advance a majimbo (federal) system, as some people would like us to believe, but a decentralised system. An equally erroneous argument is that the draft law will be too expensive.
THIS LATTER ARGUMENT IS MISLEADING because the draft does not add anything on the existing structure, but replaces it with a leaner three-tier democratic system.
If there is anything that will resonate well with the Kenyans in the Diaspora, then it is the dual citizenship clause. For many years, Kenyans abroad have been agitating for this. With this, we shall be able to attract direct investment from Kenyans living in other countries.
Women will also have everything to smile about if the new law is enacted since it clearly provides for gender equity in representation. Now at every stage of leadership, women’s voice will be clear. In this provision, we all win.
Prof Kabaji is the director of Public Affairs and Communication in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (egarakabaji@yahoo.com)
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Submitted by kowochiPosted December 01, 2009 03:29 PM
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Submitted by Athaka
Prof Kabaji: May be you should have pointed out at least one weakness of the draft. In fact the drive not to criticize the draft is the greatest error we can entertain. I disagree with you since the draft creates a rogue PM. and a parliament that manages the nation. or are we fed up or unable to vote genuine leaders? That pari must do it for us. That is taking my rights away.
Posted December 01, 2009 11:54 AM -
Submitted by kiprengwes
I agree with Kabaj. If this constitution passes, politics will not be very competitive as it has been-since the stakes will be reduced especially for the PM and the president-consequently people do not have to die during campaigns-politics will be relegated and hopefully the economy will take centre stage. we need to ensure that the powers of the two are clearly delineated to avoid any confusion of roles. The young people should fully support this constitution and avoid those who want "Total Power" to one institution.
Posted December 01, 2009 07:15 AM -
Submitted by Thabari
Constitution making is a political process. Politicians, like other Kenyans, have a right to comment, however frivolously. Most people are opposed to an unelected executive PM because they don't want to lose their ability to directly elect their chief executive. Without constituencies that are proportionately sized, such a PM wouldn't have a mandate.
Posted December 01, 2009 01:30 AM -
Submitted by mwanoo1
Are these also the views of the ministry and by extension the government?
Posted December 01, 2009 12:49 AM
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think about it this way Athaka: a directly elected executive president will take us back to imperial presidency; secondly given the multi-ethnic nature of our politics and ethnic competition, communities with numerical strengths may gang up to propel one of their own; rather a parliamentary system which is fairly representative of communities in kenya. Ask yourself why some leaders advocate for 'one kilometre one vote' in opposition to 'one man one vote' democracy is not perfect esp. in tribalised kenya..numbers is not everything