MACHAGE READY TO BE SACKED FOR SAYING NO

A minister opposed to the proposed draft constitution said Monday he will stand his ground even if it means losing his position.

The constitutional right of every Kenyan to vote for or reject the draft is not conditional, according to Roads Assistant minister Wilfred Machage.

As a member of the ‘NO’ camp, Dr Machage said he would not be cowed by calls to sack members of the government who are opposed to the draft constitution.

“I say NO to the draft for sentimental reasons and if using my constitutional right to oppose a flawed document would result in me being sacked, so be it,” Dr Machage said.

His remarks come barely a day after Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) boss, Francis Atwoli, called on President Kibaki to relieve ministers opposed to the draft of their duties.

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have drummed support for the draft while others, including Agriculture minister William Ruto are in the NO camp.

Addressing a press conference in his office, the Kuria MP said it was wrong for the two principals to lead campaigns for the draft, terming their actions are aimed at intimidating members of the government with divergent views.

“I’m very disturbed that the principals are taking hardline positions on the draft. We have an opportunity to respond to the concerns of sections of the population before we go to the referendum and this can only happen if the principals listen,” he said.

He described his opposition as out of principle and does not amount to insubordination. He said issues of land, devolution and abortion should not be ignored, adding that the promise of pursuing amendments after the draft passes would not be fulfilled due to the need for popular amendment through securing 1 million signatures of registered voters.

“We can’t be convinced that we pass a faulty document and wait for amendments later. This admission that some clauses need to be re-looked at is enough reason for us to do it now,” he argued.

He called on the Church to oppose the draft on the strength of permitting abortion and not on Kadhis' courts. He said the courts do not affect Christians and should be retained as they are.

“Communities that have endured decades of marginalisation will continue suffering if this draft is passed as it is,” he said.

Dr Machage, also the Democratic Party national chairman, said his party would convene a National Executive Council meeting Tuesday to take a position on the draft. But he said political parties should encourage their supporters to vote with their conscience and not force them to take a common position.

He termed remarks attributed to party secretary general Chris Murungaru to the effect that DP is supporting the draft as personal views.

“I’m the party chairman and I am saying NO. I will not force anybody to vote for the draft or reject it. DP members are free to vote as they wish,” he said.