MOI PREDICTS BLOODSHED

RETIRED President Daniel Arap Moi has predicted bloodshed and social instability if the proposed new constitution is implemented. He warned that many Kenyans would be disappointed once the document is enacted, and counseled that all had the obligation to read it thoroughly before casting their ballot for their own individual good and that of the country.

The former President made the warning as Prime Minister Raila Odinga claimed those opposing the proposed new constitution on the basis of the land chapter were beneficiaries of illegal land acquisition. Raila said the argument by the anti-constitution crusaders that the land chapter was contentious is a fallacy since its provisions as spelt out in the draft constitution is an exact replica of what was contained in the Bomas draft. But the former head of state said some sections of the draft were ‘very sensitive and would be dangerous if implemented.

Moi who was addressing a forum of head teachers from Coast Province at a Nakuru hotel charged that the document promoted abortion and had hidden proposals that did not augur well for the country's morality and well-being. He said it was unfair to project proponents of the No vote as ignorant, adding that certain individuals rooting for the document were determined to stifle majority of Kenyan's opinion. Moi said Kenyans of goodwill should be allowed to take a No stand to avert anarchy. He said If you fear bloodshed and social instability then take a No stand because your conscience cannot allow you to endorse evil.

The former head of state took issue with the clause on abortion which he said actually legalizes it, a situation he said was both ungodly and compromised the country's morality. He reiterated that those rooting for the 'Yes' vote were not denying that the document promoted the practice and were in fact telling Kenyans it was okay to procure abortion. He said his stand on the proposed constitution was informed by knowledge and not shaped by ignorance as he had thoroughly perused it. Moi said his desire was to see a united and progressive Kenya with a document that could protect the nation’s sovereignty and stability.

Moi pointed out that the chapter on land was filled with proposals that were dangerous to implement yet certain leaders were peddling half truths and fiction. If you carefully read the document you might even uncover many unhidden proposals and creations that may not augur well for the nation. On education Moi challenged teachers from the Coast to research on causes of dwindling performance in the region. He observed that many schools that used to post good results in the province had fallen to appalling academic standards. He called on teachers and parents in the region to change their attitudes towards education and enforce cooperation between all stakeholders in the sector.

On his part, Raila said the chapter on land was extensively dealt with during the Bomas constitutional talks adding that its adoption would help sort out the persistent land problem in Kenya once and for all. Only a comprehensive overhaul of the laws governing land and acquisition and use in the country will right the many wrongs that have hit this critical sector since independence, said he.

The PM said land remains one of the most emotive and divisive issues in the country and is to blame for past violent and bloody tribal clashes and should urgently be dealt with. Speaking during the commissioning of an ultra-modern banking hall at Ministry of Lands headquarters at Ardhi House yesterday, Raila said passage of the proposed constitution would help correct historical land injustices. He noted that the proposed National Land Commission would initiate measures to investigate cases of past land grabbing. Lands Minister James Orengo said individuals in the No team have a lot of questions to answer in regard to the huge chunks of land they own.

Orengo said the proposed constitution will safeguard public land as well as protect legally acquired privately owned land. He said the current constitution does not comprehensively address land issues and as a result, encourages land grabbing. Raila said the land question was identified under Agenda 4 as a critical area that needs to be dealt with to guarantee the country's stability and enable Kenyans have equitable access to it.