TALKS FAIL

The debate on the proposed constitution entered a new week Monday with the much anticipated consensus talks between the government and the church failing to bear any fruits.

The meeting came barely a week before the Attorney General Amos Wako publishes the draft constitution after which the Independent Interim Electoral Commission takes over.

The Church and the State who are sharply divided over the clauses on Kadhis' courts and abortion will now meet on Wednesday in a bid to arrive at a consensus on the two issues.

Meanwhile Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has described the push towards the delivery of a new constitution as a momentous drive that cannot be reversed.

Mr. Musyoka said he supported dialogue between the ‘YES' and ‘NO' camps, especially with the church in order to enable the country go through a referendum without any tension or acrimony.

"This country is pregnant with expectations of a new constitution and we cannot afford to abort it even if we are discussing the emotive issue of abortion which the church fears," he said.

The Vice President who was speaking Monday during the 16th South African National Day at a Nairobi hotel lauded the cordial relationship Kenya has with the republic of South Africa and commended South Africa for its active role in the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).

He said it was important for African countries to encourage cross border trade and investments as one way of strengthening the continent economically.

South African High Commissioner to Kenya, Tony Msimanga said his country would continue to support efforts by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga in steering the Grand Coalition Government.

Mr. Msimanga said South Africa was prepared to host the forthcoming World Cup and prove to the world that African countries are also in a position to hold global sporting events.