BEWARE

The Committee of Experts wants Kenyans to be wary of attempts to thwart smooth constitution making process now in its final stages.

CoE Chairman Nzamba Kitonga asked Kenyans to remain alert because "enemies of the new constitution" are busy trying to confuse citizens about the new document.

"Kenyans should be on the look out for many enemies who are coming up with many hurdles on the path of the final lap of the process that has consumed billions and seen many lives lost in the fight for the new constitution," urged Kitonga.

The chairman spoke today in Nairobi when he launched civic education campaign countrywide. Civic educators will criss-cross the country informing citizens on the contents of the Proposed Constitution.

He said despite the setbacks including inadequate funds, the process would proceed uninterrupted until the August 4 referendum.

"I am happy with the strong will exhibited by Kenyans that nothing will divert their attention from their desire to get a new constitution," said the chairman.


Kitonga said some people want the status quo to remain while others want Kenyans to continue with the oppressive system under the current law.

He dismissed the recent High Court ruling by a three-bench judge declaring Kadhi courts illegal as inconsequential and irrelevant to Proposed Constitution.

"That ruling was wrong in law besides the fact that it only applies to the current constitution while it has nothing whatsoever to do with the Proposed Constitution," he said.

Kitonga who was accompanied by CoE member Bobby Mkangi and Deputy Director in charge of Civic Education Veronica Nduva, said the only avenue through which a section of a constitution can be decided was through a referendum but not through court or even Parliament.

Kitonga reiterated the CoE’s frustrations over Government failure to release funds for civic education. He said Treasury has persistently decline to release he money.

"We have been pleading with the Treasury to give us money but they have flatly refused to release any to us. All they tell us is to talk to the ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs," lamented Kitonga.

He said the committee required Sh330m for civic education.

He said the CoE will ensure all Kenyans get the accurate information on the Proposed Constitution.

Another CoE member Njoki Ndungu has asked Kenyans to consider the huge benefits the proposed constitution will accord them as compared to the minimal objections being raised.

She spoke today at the Standard/KTN newsroom during a training session for reporters and editors on the new law.

She urged the media to help Kenyans identify distortions and give them the correct information through newspaper articles and electronic channels.