The American ambassador to Kenya is dictator to Kenyan leaders, now wants to dictate the draft’s outcome.
Posted by African Press International on April 7, 2010
US backs new Kenya law
US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger. The United States has said that the proposed new constitution is a good working document and that it will protect the interests of all Kenyans April 7, 2010. Photo/ FILE
By ANTHONY KARIUKI
Posted Wednesday, April 7 2010 at 11:22
In Summary
- US ambassador Michael Ranneberger says that the draft law contains provisions that will ensure accountability and guard against excess by politicians.
The United States has said that the proposed new constitution is a good working document and that it will protect the interests of all Kenyans.
US ambassador Michael Ranneberger said Wednesday that the draft law contains provisions that will ensure accountability and guard against excess by politicians.
“No political process and no constitution is perfect – including those of the United States – but the proposed new constitution contains checks and balances which will ensure greater accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
“The new constitution will, therefore, secure and protect the interests of all communities and regions of the country,” said Mr Ranneberger in a statement.
The envoy urged Kenya coalition principals President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to continue with their push towards the realisation of a new constitution adding that it was imperative that they speak in one voice.
“The strong statements made by the President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga urging support of the draft constitution are particularly encouraging.
“Unity in support of the draft will bring the Kenyan people together and establish a framework which will greatly improve prospects for democratic stability and shared prosperity for all Kenyans.”
President Kibaki and PM Odinga have backed the proposed law and strongly urged politicians and clergy to advice their constituents to vote in favour of the draft.
However, opinion is divided among the political class on issues such as devolution and the chapter on the bill of rights that encompasses land. The clergy are opposed to the retention of kadhi courts in the new law and the clause on abortion.
The Church objects to the section of Article 26 which empowers doctors to end a pregnancy if it endangers the woman’s life or she needs emergency treatment.
They are also opposed to the courts under Article 169 and 170, which limit their authority to disputes over personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance, where all the parties are Muslims and agree to take the case to a Kadhi.
Mr Ranneberger added that the Kenya government should fully back the process as it enters the crucial referendum period.
“As the focus of Kenyans now turns to the constitutional referendum, it is essential that the government of Kenya adequately support the Interim Independent Electoral Commission,” he said.
He explained that the support offered should be in the form of resources “for an inclusive and comprehensive voter registration exercise, a robust civic education campaign, and the materials necessary for a free and fair referendum.”
The ambassador also said that President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga should show leadership in their continued effort to realise reforms
“As the constitution moves forward, we continue to urge Kenya’s leaders to complement this major step by accelerating implementation of the full range of Agenda 4 reforms.”
The Committee of Experts, which will carry out a nationwide civic education drive to sensitise Kenyans before the Yes-No referendum later in July, got good news after the US pledged support.
“The United States will support a vigorous process of civic education to help ensure that the Kenyan people can make well-informed decisions. We will continue to support preparations for a credible and transparent referendum, and the implementation of the reform agenda,” said Mr Ranneberger.
source.nation.ke
