By Beauttah Omanga

Issues related to devolution were at the centre of debate as the Ufungamano Initiative discussed the draft constitution.

While some religious leaders felt a devolved government would be too expensive, others cautioned that creation of regional assemblies would cause ethnic tension.

"It will be disastrous for the economy to pass the draft as it is. What will be the source of the funds to sustain the many sectors of devolved government and segments of the same?" posed Bishop Michael Michuki.

Mr Isaiah Kubai echoed the bishop’s concerns saying the draft is likely to bring the country’s already struggling economy to its knees.

"We will have so many sectors that will require massive resources which Kenya cannot afford," Kubai said.

Other speakers said differences among leaders fighting to be appointed to the regional councils could bring conflict among communities.

The participants also sought explanations as to when national laws as spelt out in the constitution will override those to be passed by regional bodies.

Also, the members have urged Parliament to extend the 30-day public debate period of the draft constitution by at least two months.

Leaders expressed concern the 30-day period was too short for any meaningful interrogation of the document.

Gachoka MP Mutava Musyimi and Lawyer Njeri Kabeberi were concerned that a Kiswahili version of the draft was not yet out two weeks into the set period.

"It is disturbing that as at now, the Kiswahili version promised by the Committee of Experts is yet to be released. Millions of Kenyans are still waiting for the document before they would analyse it and make any contributions," the MP said.

The public forum held at Ufungamano House on Tuesday, however, failed to agree on a number of issues among them inclusion of religious rights in the draft, and omission by the drafters to specify amount of money required to implement a new constitution.

The speakers, mainly from the Christian faith, said the draft would not receive Christian support if the Kadhi courts are retained in the final document to be subjected to a referendum.

"We should either have all faiths catered or none. That document will remain demonic to Christians and that will never sit well for this country’s future as one faith will forever feel superior to others," argued Bishop Njeri Kibarabara.

Female speakers said the document was unacceptable, citing a clause that reportedly legalises abortion indirectly.

"The draft only talks of respect to human life without specifying as is in the current Constitution that human life starts from conception. To many Christians, that deliberate omission is geared to legalise abortion," claimed