Kalonzo calls for consensus on constitution

Kenya Times

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 

By VPPS

VICE President Kalonzo Musyoka has cautioned politicians who have taken hard-line positions on the constitution review process to prepare for a compromise in the forthcoming referendum to avoid dividing Kenyans.

Kalonzo said political parties and other stakeholders should identify contentious issues, negotiate them and agree ahead of the referendum.

"We want this to be a non-contested referendum where wananchi will approve or reject the draft without being compelled by politicians with vested interests", he said.

The VP assured Kenyans that the government was determined that the dispensation is enacted early in the coming year.

He made the remarks today when he addressed wananchi at Shimoni and Perani, in Msambweni district during a tour of the area.

At the same time the vice President urged Kenyans to look back at the ending year and resolve to unite in order to surmount the challenges that characterised it.

He said that 2008 was a difficult year for the country, as it started with the post-poll violence that was marked by loss of lives and property, as well as widespread famine, economic recession and high cost of basic commodities.

Noting the country was on the verge of collapse, Kalonzo called on Kenyans to be grateful to God for saving the country from the brink.

He particularly urged them to ignore their tribal differences and embrace nationalism as they usher in the new year.

"The new year must be a period of reforms so that we address the poverty, disease and inequality that faces Kenyans", said Kalonzo.

During the occasion, the Vice President also sent a message of goodwill to all Kenyans as they welcome the new year on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Agriculture minister William Ruto wants parliament to be reconvened as early as January so that debate on the new constitution is deliberated and concluded.

Ruto said Kenyans are yearning for a new constitution which parliament should ensure is ready within the shortest time possible.

At the same time Ruto led three other legislators in supporting the impending formation of a tribunal to try suspects in the Justice Waki report on post election violence, as a way of unveiling the truth and hastening national reconciliation.

Speaking at his Sugoi Village home during an inter-denominational thanksgiving and end-year prayer meeting, the Eldoret North MP said the critical issues around the constitutional review and the tribunal formation were urgent and more important than a holiday for MPs, hence the need to reconvene parliament immediately after the new year festivities.

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