Kenya's second referendum in history is only 27 days away. The proponents of the Proposed Constitution are upbeat the 20-year-long luckless clamour for a new constitution is about to end, albeit with the handsome reward of a new set of laws to revolutionise our institutions of governance.
They argue the draft law portends for Kenya a silent and bloodless revolution with a wonderful Bill of Rights. Yes, this team agrees there are contentious issues such as conditional abortion and Kadhis' Courts, but argue they can be resolved later. Still a section of it is less optimistic and believes no amount of negotiation will lead to consensus on these issues that bear religious and culturally emotive overtones.
There is the 'No' team which admits that this is the best Kenya has come close to a good constitution but are unhappy with mainly four clauses — land, Kadhis' Courts, abortion and delineation of county boundaries. They would rather the August 4 referendum is suspended to cultivate consensus on the controversial clauses.
Whichever way we look at it, both groups have resolved to let the majority have its way at the referendum, and all that they are asking for is a free and fair contest.
Long, arduous process
That is where the role of the Independent Interim Electoral Commission comes in. It is the final arbiter. Sadly, it is wobbling and is not even sure it will deliver because of the Treasury funds cut back. Because it has been a long, arduous, costly and diversionary process, we must all appreciate the importance of getting over this burden that is 20 years old.
The additional Sh2 billion or thereabouts IIEC is asking for is peanuts compared to the agony, suffering and financial haemorrhage the country has suffered in two decades. The Treasury mandarins should not be part of the forces holding Kenya back and should just let us move on.
Source: The Standard | Online Edition
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