Ngilu Warns ODM Row Could Derail New Laws

15 August 2010

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Nairobi — Wrangling in the Orange Democratic Movement could derail the new Constitution, a Cabinet minister warned on Sunday.

Water and Irrigation minister Charity Ngilu said ODM's decision to punish its MPs who campaigned against the new Constitution would distract Parliament from the task ahead. The party would also play into the hands of those keen on derailing reforms, Mrs Ngilu said. "We are creating unnecessary distractions by engaging in party quarrels.

"The 10th Parliament cannot afford to lose focus on the crucial mandate it was given by the Kenyan people to implement the new Constitution within the stipulated timelines," said Mrs Ngilu, who is also MP for Kitui Central. Mrs Ngilu's Narc party is affiliated to ODM.

More than 70 ODM MPs last week resolved to punish party colleagues who backed Higher Education minister William Ruto in campaigning against the new Constitution, which was approved in the August 4 referendum.

Mrs Ngilu told a baraza (meeting) at Kyatune market in Kitui South constituency that the task of passing the crucial Bills needed to implement the new Constitution called for consensus of all political parties.

Punished enough

"There are people who would wish such quarrels to derail the reform process. We should be vigilant and avoid playing into their hands" she said. Mrs Ngilu said those in the 'No' camp were punished enough by Kenyans on August 4. "They were handed a humiliating defeat by Kenyans, why then keep battering them when they are already down?" asked the minister.

She said that Mr Ruto played a key role as a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitution Review and sidelining him and other party members now would create unnecessary tension in Parliament.