MISSING IN ACTION

The Party of National Unity has denied any divisions between itself and coalition partner Orange Democratic Movement in campaigns for the proposed Constitution.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who chaired the party's parliamentary group meeting at the Kenya International Conference Centre to review and deliberate on their campaigns, said PNU will hold separate rallies

However, the VP said the MPs agreed to participate in 20 joint rallies with ODM to be headed by President Kibaki to drum up support for proposed Constitution.

“Holding separate rallies does not mean we are divided. We will hold joint PNU/ODM parliamentary group meeting to brief members on way forward,” Mr Musyoka said.

He, however, said MPs should be given greater say in organising the 'Yes' rallies in their constituencies and avoid situations such as the heckling of Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu last Saturday.

The VP also received a hostile reception during the inaugural 'Yes' rally at Uhuru Park two weeks ago.

Sources who attended Tuesday’s meeting said the MPs took issue with absence of key PNU coalition leaders including Internal Security Minister George Saitoti and Uhuru Kenyatta (Finance).

Disjointed campaigns

They said lack of unity and show of leadership by party leaders had disjointed the PNU campaigns and left ODM to steal the show.

A number of MPs came under heavy criticism at the PG for failing to firmly state their position and thus confusing the electorate. Some were also accused of being sympathisers of those in the 'No' camp.

The MPs regretted that unlike ODM, which appeared organised and ready for the 'Yes' campaigns PNU had no funds for the rallies.

The MPs were asked to assist in mobilising funds for the campaigns and fully participate in them to avoid ODM from penetrating their strongholds ahead of 2012.

They suggested that Mr Musyoka should act as the face of the 'Yes' campaign on PNU's side since President Kibaki might not attend all the rallies.

The PNU MPs are said to have accused ODM of using the 'Yes' rallies to 'frustrate’ opponents and position itself for 2012 elections.

Seek apology

The MPs asked Mr Musyoka to seek an apology from Higher Education Minister William Ruto for insinuating that he is in the 'No' camp during a recent rally in Machakos.

The PNU meeting also expressed confidence that Monday’s court ruling declaring kadhi courts illegal would not affect the review process.

“The process is shielded from such attempts. The process is on course. We should do whatever we can to deliver a new Constitution to the people so that when we reach August 5 we should all celebrate,” Mr Musyoka said.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando said the new Constitution “must be restricted to valid and well represented issues as opposed to propaganda and lies.”

“As is in any dynamic change there will always be proponents for change on one side and those with a phobia for change on the other side. But the key gains packaged in this Katiba (constitution) should not be ignored,” he said.

The Youth and Sports assistant minister said the new constitution will introduce radical change that will clean up public offices and introduce modern and accountable systems of operation.

The MP said the youth have a lot to celebrate in the proposed Constitution.