FREE TO SAY NO

ODM will not kick out MPs opposed to the proposed constitution.

The party will not compel any of its members to support the document, its national chairman, Mr Henry Kosgey, has said.

“Every member in our party has a right to take his own position on the proposed constitution,” Mr Kosgey said in Kisumu after opening the Great Lakes University’s annual scientific conference.

Mr Kosgey also called on religious leaders to reconsider their opposition to the draft.

Downplayed

He downplayed claims that Rift Valley was opposed to the proposed law, saying that only a few individuals and groups held that position.

“Rift Valley Province is a large cosmopolitan region,” the minister said.

He accused some MPs from the province of distorting facts on the land chapter, saying, no one would lose land should the proposed constitution become law.

Higher Education minister William Ruto, who is also the ODM deputy leader, is among MPs opposed to aspects of the proposed constitution.