Rift Leaders strengthen NO Campaign

Political and church leaders along the Kerio Valley have urged communities living in the region to reject the proposed constitution unless amendments are made before the referendum.

The leaders who included assistant minister Linah Jebii Kilimo, Marakwet West MP Boaz Kaino and Reverend Peter Chemaswet said Kenyans should not endorse a draft that fails to protect the life of the unborn and which favours one religion by including Kadhis courts.

“We say No to the proposed Constitution as it is, unless amendments are made before the referendum,” said Mrs. Kilimo of Cooperative Development and Marketing.

Speaking at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Arror, in Marakwet district on Sunday, during the ordination of Father Wilfred Yego as a Catholic priest, the leaders said there is need for the clauses on land, abortion, Kadhis courts among other contentious issues to be amended before the referendum.

‘’The church in particular is demanding “justice and equality for all religions, the limitation of fundamental rights based on religion, the protection of right to life and the supremacy of our constitution in the right of international conventions and treaties.” Said Pastor Chemaswet of Africa Inland Church.

Mrs. Kilimo who is also the Marakwet East MP said the church should concentrate on mobilising the faithful to reject the new law at the August referendum.

The minister at the same time hailed the role played by church organizations, political leaders and NGOs in the fight against insecurity which had become the stumbling block to the development of the region.

Mrs. Kilimo said the Government is committed to sustainable peace in the area and urged communities in the area to forge a common development agenda for the sake of peace and development.

The minister urged residents in the area to take advantage of the current favorable weather conditions to grow crops particularly traditional foods that withstand harsh climatic situations.

Mr. Kaino said it is through teamwork and unity of purpose that the problems facing the area can be solved.

He said it is time leaders put aside their political differences and work together in confronting the issues facing the locals with a view to improving their living standards.