[kca-info] THE CONSTITUTION REVIEW STALEMATE

PRESS RELEASE

August 25 2006

STATEMENT OF THE KENYAN COMMUNITY ABROAD ON THE
CONSTITUTION REVIEW STALEMATE.

The Kenyan Community Abroad (KCA) voices concern at the stalemate on a comprehensive review of the constitution that has riveted the nation ever since
the draft constitution was decided against in a landmark referendum on November 21st last year.

KCA notes with caution that efforts to begin benign discussions on minimum reforms of the constitution to see to a free and fair election next year has already set off disagreements among the political players.

We wish to reiterate that the making of a constitution is not the preserve of politicians. This is an undertaking whose far reaching effects cannot be over-emphasized.

Our view is that all key stakeholders (non governmental organizations, civil society and religious leaders) must be brought together for this most sacrosanct of duties.

KCA requests that her pride of place be guaranteed in the committee on minimum reforms. To this extent, its Kenyan chapter is seeking to hold discussions with relevant players in this regard.

While a comprehensive review of the constitution is our first preference, we support the minimum reforms if only to make a level playing field ahead of the
next general election and pave way for a complete overhaul of the holy writ. In particular, KCA would like the following addressed in the minimum reforms:

a) Kenyans abroad be granted voting rights.

b) That dual citizenship be entrenched in the constitution.

c) The independence of the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) be guaranteed along the 1997 IPPG model.

d) Sections 47 of the constitution to be amended to explicitly express for the writing and validation thereof of a new constitution by the people of Kenya.

e) Sections 58 and 59 of the constitution be amended to divorce parliament from the over bearing arms of the President.

As the people of Kenya scratch their backs for a new constitutional order, and as key players press on with what we believe should be honest juggling, KCA
counsels patience, sobriety and understanding.

KCA believes strongly that these minimum reforms will ready our great nation for elections that are free, fair and the best show of democracy Kenya has ever
had. It is this level of outstanding political maturity that we must strive for before embarking on comprehensive reforms.


Jared Oluoch: Assistant Secretary
For the KCA Executive.
Washington, D.C.
www.kenyansabroad.org