Women MPs begin constitution campaign

Women Members of Parliament have launched a 20 day campaign for the proposed constitution.

Under the program, Gichugu MP Martha Karua is Monday expected carry out the YES campaign to the women in her constituency while her Bomet counterpart Beatrice Kones will be at her backyard to inform women on the contents of the proposed new law.

The MPs under the Women Parliamentarian Association say they will be pushing for the woman's voice to be heard in the run up to the referendum.

"The women command over 50% of the population and the Women MPs have identified 12 chapters within the proposed new constitution that will directly impact the Kenyan woman."

In a statement, the MPs who are also members of the KEWOPA (Kenya Women parliamentary Asociation) say they have identified 12 chapters within the proposed new constitution that will directly impact the Kenyan woman.

They say chapter seven on the representation of the people will be one of the major gain for women should the new law be passed at the referendum.

The women legistlators are Hon. Linah Jebii Kilimo Chairperson MP, Marakwet East, Hon. Sophia Abdi Noor Deputy Chairperson Nominated MP, Hon. Cecily M. Mbarire Secretary MP, Runyenjes, Hon. Shakila Abdalla Treasurer Nominated MP and Hon. Rachael Shebesh, Assistant Treasurer Nominated MP.

Hon. Peris Chepchumba Vice Secretary MP, Eldoret South, Hon. Martha W. Karua Member MP, Gichugu, Hon. Charity K. Ngilu Member MP, Kitui Central, Hon. Dr. Naomi Shabaan Member MP, Taveta, Hon. Amina Abdalla Member Nominated MP.

Hon. Esther Murugi Member MP, Nyeri Town Hon. Dr. Sally Kosgei Member MP, Aldai, Hon. Elizabeth Ongoro Member MP, Kasarani, Hon. Beatrice Kones Member MP, Bomet , Hon. Bishop Dr. Margaret Wanjiru Member MP, Starehe , Hon. Wavinya Ndeti Member MP, Kathiani

Hon. Esther Murugi Member MP, Nyeri Town Hon. Dr. Sally Kosgei Member MP, Aldai, Hon. Elizabeth Ongoro Member MP, Kasarani, Hon. Beatrice Kones Member MP, Bomet , Hon. Bishop Dr. Margaret Wanjiru Member MP, Starehe , Hon. Wavinya Ndeti Member MP, Kathiani, Hon. Prof. Hellen Sambili Member MP, Mogotio.

Hon. Maison Leshomo Member Nominated MP, Hon. Dr. Joyce Laboso Member MP, Sotik, Hon. Millie Odhiambo Member Nominated MP, Hon. Prof. Margaret Kamar Member MP, Eldoret East and Hon. Beth W. Mugo Member MP, Dagoretti

Elsewhere, Attorney General Amos Wako is calling on Kenyans to read and understand the proposed constitution before voting next month's referendum. Wako says it is the government's role to facilitate the process.

Speaking at Lwanya Girls' high school in Busia, the Attorney General accused the Moi government for failing to give Kenyans a new constitution.

Meanwhile, Fisheries minister Paul Otuoma has urged the residents of Busia to take advantage of the East African Common markets to trade freely since they are at the border.

Otuoma however expressed concern that few Kenyans are aware of the benefits under EAC.