Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Mutula raises fears over rising political temperatures



Written By:KNA,    Posted: Mon, Jan 24, 2011

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Mutula Kilonzo Monday expressed concern over the rising political temperatures in the country ahead of the 2012 elections, saying this was likely to affect the implementation of the new constitution.
Kilonzo expressed fears that the succession battle currently looming in the country and premature campaigns might hamper the implementation process.
"We are way behind schedule in the implementation of the new Constitution, we should have started the process in November and we have to work round the clock to ensure the key Draft laws required for the establishment of various legal institutions such a new Judiciary and  police reforms are in place  and passed by the Parliament"  Mutula said.
He was speaking when he officially opened a three-day induction training workshop for the members of Constitutional implementation Commission (CIC) at a Naivasha hotel.
He said there is no electoral law in the country right now and this law is one of the key legislations expected to be implemented before the new Constitution can take effect.
"Some Parliamentarians might oppose bills which seem to stand in the way of their favorite candidates getting into power and vice-versa," Mutula said.
He said the Government has set aside Sh. 3.5Billion this financial year to be used in the implementation of the new Constitution.
Mr. Mutula said out of this mount, Sh. 289Million will be used to fund the operations of the Constitutional implementation Commission (CIC) led by Mr. Charles Nyachae.
He however said this money will only be made available if Parliament approves a Supplementary budget which will be tabled when Parliament resumes next week.
The Minister assured the commission of his ministry's support and urged it to assert its independence.
"Resist any attempt to be manipulated by any person or group of people and you will win the trust of Kenyans," Mutula said.
He said the CIC in collaboration with his ministry will come up with 16 bills by the end of the year in order to ensure the implementation of the new Constitution.
The Attorney-General Mr. Amos Wako who was present  urged the commission to resist all political, ethnic or even personal manipulation and come up with Bills that will ensure the implementation of the new constitution.
Mr. Wako said his office had hired four experts to help in drafting of the bills and urged various ministries to come up with taskforce to draft the necessary legislations required to implement various aspects of the new Constitution.
"Even if the legislations will be required five years from now, let them be drafted now and be passed by Parliament.
Also present at the function was Justice and Constitutional affairs assistant minister, Mr. William Cheptumo, Solicitor -General Wanjuki Muchemi, and Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson, Dr. P L O Lumumba among other dignitaries.

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