Wako wants team set up fast to oversee enactment of new law

By STANDARD TEAM

Attorney General Amos Wako has called for a speedy formation of the commission to oversee the implementation of the new constitution.

Mr Wako said 90 days set for the process was a lot and would delay the much-awaited law.

The AG said the Commission on Implementation of the Constitution should be put in place immediately.

"I appeal to the Government to immediately set up the commission as soon as possible to allow Parliament to enact the new legislation within the timelines set," said Wako.

The commission will monitor, facilitate and oversee development of legislation and administrative procedures needed to implement new laws.

He said there wouldn’t be problems in the enactment of the legislation since most MPs were in support of the new constitution.

"The responsibility of Parliament is to ensure it enacts legislation under the timelines set," said Wako.

Addressing judges at the Annual Judges’ Conference (Colloquium) in Mombasa, yesterday, the AG, however, said for the bills to sail through, there must be co-operation between Government organs and the public.

He assured Kenyans the timelines of the legislation were enacted within the 12 months period set.

Work closely

At the same time, Chairman for PSC on Constitutional Review Abdikadir Mohammed asked the judges to work closely with leaders and support implementation of the constitution.

"We need your support in the implementation, and I would like to ask you to be proactive throughout the process," said Mr Abdikadi.

Lawyer James Mwamu expressed concern an oversight by the Committee of Experts on who should generate names of nominees to be considered for appointment to the commission was a matter that might cause delay. The new law should create a clear appointment criteria in all commissions. If that was to be followed, the soonest the country will have the Implementation Commission will be sometime in December," said Mwamu.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional Implementation to be constituted by Parliament will in turn invite applications.

"The Committee will vet the applicants and nominate names to Parliament for consideration before handing them over to the President for appointment," said Mr Mwamu.

Lawyer Paul Muite cautioned MPs appointed to the parliamentary select committee against using their influence to have their friends appointed to key commissions.

"It is my prayer that the MPs will not appoint their close friends to serious commissions like the Implementation Commission and other national bodies as proposed," said Muite.

He said he expected the President and PM to offer guidance that only qualified Kenyans should be given opportunity to serve in the commissions.

Story By Beauttah Omanga, Linah Benyawa and Gulsun Ahmed