By Standard Team

Parliament has moved to prepare for the adoption of the new constitution.

Speaker Kenneth Marende convened an informal meeting of MPs (Kamukunji) this morning to discuss enactment of a referendum law.

There is no law governing a referendum.

The Speaker’s Kamukunji is an informal gathering of MPs, which seeks to build consensus on issues among members before they are taken to the House for formal ratification.

The meetings are a brainchild of former Speaker Francis ole Kaparo who initiated them to sort out thorny issues before they are brought to the House.

Marende would chair the meeting at Parliament’s old chamber at 10.30am, according to an invite to all members.

The 2005 referendum saw Kenyans reject a proposed draft constitution after it was placed for a vote.

But lack of a referendum law saw the Electoral Commission of Kenya then devise one question that was used during the voting.

Kenyans were asked to vote for the banana symbol to support the draft law while those opposed voted for orange symbol.

The referendum split the Cabinet with leaders taking different positions.

Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka led the orange side while President Kibaki led the banana side.

After Kenyans voted to reject the draft constitution, President Kibaki threw Raila and his colleagues out of Government.

Again the Cabinet is split on the draft constitution the Committee of Experts is set release this morning at Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Nairobi.

President Kibaki’s PNU is rooting a presidential system while the Prime Minister’s ODM wants a parliamentary system.

A weekend retreat for ministers and their assistants in Mombasa failed after a smaller group from both sides failed to agree.

Meanwhile, Marende expects Parliament to adopt a report by a tribunal on MPs’ remuneration.

He expressed hope the report of the tribunal chaired by retired Justice Akilano Akiwumi, which proposes taxation of MPs’ salaries and allowances among other things, will be adopted and a law allowing taxation of their pay passed.

"I do not foresee the report being rejected. I am hopeful MPs would endorse it wholesome or bring in some amendments," he said.