Recall House in January, ministers tell Kibaki

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By Peter Atsiaya, George Olwenya and Osinde Obare

Three Cabinet ministers have urged President Kibaki to reconvene Parliament next month.

Mr Musalia Mudavadi (Local Government), Mr James Orengo (Lands) and Mr Otieno Kajwang’ (Immigration) said Kibaki should convene Parliament so that MPs can tackle constitutional reforms. The House is currently on a three-month recess.

Speaking in separate functions yesterday, the ministers said it was illogical for Parliament to take a long break while crucial constitutional reforms are pending.

"Parliament should resume earlier to get the constitutional review moving forward," Mudavadi, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said.

Speaking at Chavakali market in Sabatia, the Mudavadi said MPs should sacrifice their time and put the reforms agenda on course.

Orengo said Parliament had an uphill task in facilitating constitutional reforms. He said completion of the reforms will depend on Parliament’s commitment.

"If Parliament is convened in March as scheduled we will not be able to complete some of the reforms in the time frame we promised Kenyans," the Ugenya MP said.

Addressing his supporters at Ugunja, Orengo said Parliament should give priority to electoral reforms.

Kajwang’ said the long recess for MPs is not necessary.

"Kibaki should recall Parliament before the end of January," he added.

Speaking in Kisumu during the wedding of Lorna Oburu, the daughter of Assistant Minister Oburu Oginga, Kajwang’ said the Government should deliver a new constitution before the end of next year.

Elsewhere, the Kitale ACK Provost Polycarp Meger has told Kenyans to be wary of dubious schemes by MPs next year.

He said Parliament had become an epitome of unfinished business and scheming. He urged Kenyans to continue to put pressure on the legislators to pay taxes.

The cleric said the move to send home the entire Electoral Commission of Kenya is selfish because most MPs were involved in electoral malpractices.