Law experts dismiss calls to amend new law

Written By:Carol Gakii , Posted: Thu, Aug 12, 2010

The Committee of Experts has dismissed calls to amend the new constitution before its full implementation.

The Chairman Nzamba Kitonga has urged religious and political leaders calling for amendments to be patient and allow for the enactment of the new law.

Addressing a press conferenceThursday at the committee offices, Nzamba said Kenyans voted overwhelmingly for the new law adding that the so called contentious issues raised by a section of religious leaders and politicians were resolved way before the referendum.

Nzamba is further calling on the government to formulate a programme to integrate civic education in schools and colleges.

He says although the committee carried out a countrywide voter education, more needs to be done to ensure that Kenyans understand the new constitution especially the transitional clauses.

The committee winds up its work 45 days after the promulgation by President Mwai Kibaki next Friday. Church leaders were against a clause on the right to life, claiming that it gave leeway to abortion on demand.

The churches also wanted Kadhi's courts to be eliminated from the Constitution.

The church leaders however insist that are still united in pushing for the amendments of the areas they are not comfortable with.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Wednesday said it will use provisions in the Constitution to push for amendments to the clauses they consider contentious in the new law.