Karua, Orengo rule out possibility of amendments

By NICHOLAS ANYUOR and PATRICK BEJA

Two Cabinet ministers have separately ruled out the possibility of amending the new constitution.

Lands Minister James Orengo and Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua now say ‘No’ camp must respect the will of the majority.

Speaking in Mombasa, Ms Karua said Parliament’s job was clearly cut out and told politicians not to promise any changes to the document to appease ‘No’ leaders.

The Gichugu MP expressed concern over statements made by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to the effect that there would be negotiations with the opposing camp.

Karua said: “MPs know that if they fail to make the necessary legislation to operationalise the new constitution, Parliament will be dissolved. Their job is clearly cut out for them in the new constitution and there is no room for making deals.”

Olive branch

While addressing supporters at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi last week, the President and Prime Minister extended an olive branch to the ‘Red’ camp.

But yesterday, Karua said it would no longer be business as usual for top politicians. “The new constitution provides the procedure for amendments and it is impossible for the President and Prime Minister and some groups to carry out negotiations,” she warned.

Have their way

Karua said after a democratic contest such as the referendum, the majority have their way and those who lose should respect their decision.

More than 70 per cent of those who voted endorsed the new constitution last Wednesday.
She said Kenyans must swear to protect the new constitution as it reflected the will of the majority.Separately, the Lands minister said the new law must first take effect before changes can be made to it.

“Those who believe amendments can be made immediately on the new law have been misled,” he said.

The Ugenya MP said Parliament has no powers to amend the document without involving Kenyans.
“If the amendments are to be made on the document, it has to be taken to the people of Kenya,” said Mr Orengo.

Speaking during a fundraiser at Ogande Girls Secondary School in Homa Bay at the weekend, the minister said the Government would continue with civic education on the passed document so that Kenyans can become familiar with its contents.

He said civic education would also make implementation of the document easier.
“We want Kenyans to know what is in the constitution so that the implementation can be trouble-free,” said the minister.