Keynan fights to allow governors to fly national flag

By ALLAN KISIA

An MP has filed a proposed amendment to the law to allow governors to fly the national flag on their vehicles.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan is seeking an amendment to the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act Cap 99 to allow the Governors and Speaker of the Senate fly national flags.

“The National Flag, Emblems and Names Amendment Bill 2013 is currently before the Speaker,” Keynan told journalists at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, yesterday.

He said he was sure of getting support of colleagues to amend the Act once the House reconvenes.

The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act Cap 99 prohibits flying of the national flag on unauthorised motor vehicles.

Attorney General Githu Muigai on Saturday issued a statement stating only the President, Vice-President, Chief Justice, Speaker of National Assembly, a minister or Attorney General are allowed to fly flag on their cars.

However, the privilege was extended to the Prime Minister and his two deputies as they were part of the expanded Cabinet and are still in office until an incoming President has appointed a new Cabinet.

Mr Keynan said there is need to amend the Act to allow dignified use of the national flag.

“You cannot allow the Speaker of the National Assembly to fly the flag and stop the Speaker of the Senate from doing the same,” he explained.

He said the national flag signifies the independence and existence of Kenya as a sovereign State.

“In the US and UK, the national flag is limited to situations that befit it. In Israel, every citizen is encouraged to carry the flag,” he said.

He said he would make several proposals for situations that will call for hoisting of the flag by institutions and individuals.

Muigai had warned those violating the law can be fined up to Sh2,000, imprisoned for two months or both.

During their swearing-in, several Governors were flying the national flags on their cars.

They included Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.

Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua and Uasin Gishu counterpart Jackson Mandago were also capture¬d flying the national flag on their limousines.

Reacting to the Attorney General’s warning, Mr Kabogo said Muigai was out of order.

He said  the Transition Authority issued the flags they are flying to them immediately they were sworn-in last week.

Keynan also urged Governors to ensure less conflict during the transition period, adding County Commissioners should not have any supervisory roles over Governors.