CONSULTATIONS ON

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has held talks with chief mediator Kofi Annan during which they reviewed developments in the country’s reform agenda especially in the realisation of the new Constitution.

Mr Annan expressed concern that a large part of the Kenyan population risked being disenfranchised in the forthcoming referendum because they lacked identity cards to register as voters in the plebiscite.

Mr Odinga however assured him that the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) had been given enough resources to register all eligible voters in the country adding that even the question of shortage of time to carry on the exercise did not arise.

The PM asked all Kenyans above the age of 18 years to obtain identity cards, so that they can register as voters adding that civil registration offices countrywide were issuing these important documents to eligible Kenyans.

He said: “The referendum is likely to be held in June, therefore the IIEC should not limit itself to the 45 day timeline,” and added “The registration period can be extended to give everyone a chance to register as a voter.”

At a media briefing after the talks at his treasury building office, the Prime Minister said he had assured Mr Annan that the draft constitution would sail through Parliament.

Noting that this is a defining moment in the history of the country, Mr Odinga stated that Kenyans and in particular members of parliament could not let the opportunity to get a new constitution to pass by.

The PM and Mr Annan also talked about the war against corruption and agreed that to eradicate the vice in the country, the fight must begin at the top.

The Prime Minister further told Mr Annan that the coalition government was working well with the two partners consulting on various national issues.