MPs want their own retreat

The government three day retreat to the coast is raising controversy with a section of leaders saying the exercise failed to reach out to all political representatives.

The legislators argue that the retreat served to isolate them from a vital process, which requires the unity of the entire parliament.

Speaking during a fundraiser presided by National Assembly speaker Kenneth Marende at Kiamabara dispensary, Mathira constituency, the law makers asserted that Parliament as peoples representative was the only institution best suited to handle constitutional matters.

MPs David Ngugi (Lari), David Njuguna ( Kinangop), Erastus Mureuthi (Olkalao), Yusuf Chanzu (Vihiga), Emilio Kathuri (Manyatta), Silas Muriuki (North Imenti) and the host Ephraim Maina petitioned the Speaker to arrange a meeting for the backbenchers to debate on the draft and reach a consensus.

"We want to meet and debate because this country must have a new constitution. We will have a consensus and give Kenyans a new constitution" asserted Lari MP.

Mureithi added that backbenchers were demanding to meet to give their version of the constitution that would unite Kenyans.

He said "even we backbenchers are people of credentials" accusing the government of retreating to Mombasa and failing to reach a consensus on the proposed constitution.

Muriuki posed "why do they (government) take them (Kenyans) on the wrong road instead of the right road" adding that the government was wasting tax payers money for selfish interests.

Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu castigated the government for jumping the gun adding that "it is not a cabinet decision to make a new constitution. We want to make a constitution that is acceptable to all".

On IIBRC, the Legislators demanded that equality of the vote and vowed to reject the draft document if fair representation according to population density was not entrenched.

The host Ephraim Maina said Kenya was a democratic country and the making of a new constitution should not be left to a few individuals.

However, Marende who steered clear of the Mombasa meeting reminded MPs that they were leaders and were supposed to provide leadership.

Acknowledging that Kenyans wanted a new constitution and deserved it, Marende said that the proposed document should ensure equality of all.

He added "I would like a constitution that accords equal opportunities to all and the freedom to do business and reside in any part of the country".