Four MPs defect to 'No' camp

Four Kenya MPs have announced their defection to the group opposed to the proposed constitution, which they say is divisive.

Jamleck Kamau (Kigumo), Peter Mwathi (Limuru), Silas Muriuki Ruteere (North Imenti) and Nominated MP George Nyamweya said Wednesday that their decision was also informed by the refusal of the House Business Committee to slot Mr Kamau's Referendum Bill in the Order Paper.

Mr Nyamweya and Mr Mwathi had made known their reservations with provisions in the proposed constitution, while Mr Kamau and Mr Ruteere were yet to state their stand.

The Bill aims to stop the referendum set for August 4 and allow amendments to the proposed constitution by amending Section 47 A of the current Constitution .

Reduce period

The Kigumo legislator wanted the committee, which prepares the order of business that comes before the House to allow him to move a motion reducing the period of publication of the Bill from 14 to five days.

Further, he asked to be allowed to have the Bill go through the entire legislative stages of First, Second and Third reading at one sitting Wednesday, a day reserved for Private Members' motions and Bills.

The standing orders do not allow a Bill to go through more than one stage at any one sitting, except with the leave of the House.