By KEN-ARTHUR WEKESA
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights is up in arms over the move by Members of Parliament to allow presidential losers and their running mates to be nominated to the National Assembly.
The rights body has termed the move that was effected on Wednesday night by MPs through the Miscellaneous Amendment Bill 2012, saying it is an affront to the rights of special interest groups.
Speaking to The Standard On Sunday, KNCHR acting chairman Samuel Tororei maintained that nominating presidential losers is a blatant violation to special groups especially ethnic minorities.
“The 12 slots according to the Constitution are an exclusive preserve of the Elmolos and Njemps, among other ethnic shades that don’t have the requisite numbers to elect their own. They also include persons with disabilities,’ said Dr Tororei.
He added that his commission would remain vigilant against MPs’ attempts to deny these special groups their rights.
Tororei pointed an accusing finger at the MPs for using the nomination slots to perpetuate political patronage. He called on the citizenry to stand up against a rogue Parliament hell-bent on mutilating the Supreme Law that captures the sovereign will of the majority.
Last-minute party hoppers
‘Kenyans must rise against MPs who drink from the chalice of impunity and want to continue nominating their cronies, who have lost.”
Other special interest groups expected to benefit from nomination include women and workers.
KNHCR has threatened to move to court to seek legal redress should the President assent to the amendments that the rights body has termed unconstitutional.
Other provisions that KNHCR is contesting include amendment that give soft landing to last-minute party hoppers.
