Raila backs gender rule

By PMPS

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has reiterated his support for affirmative action and supported the constitutional position on election and nomination of women.

The PM said "My attention has been drawn to the debate that has emerged over affirmative action on elective seats and the hardening positions over gender equity."

Raila moved to clarify  that positions so far taken by MPs from the Orange Democratic Movement are personal and do not reflect the stand of the party on the critical constitutional matter.

"ODM stands for, and remains committed to, a full and faithful implementation of the Constitution. ODM remains committed to gender parity, having fought hard for the inclusion of its provisions in the Constitution." Raila said in a statement sent to the media.

"I wish to appeal to all ODM MPs to remember their contract with the people of Kenya and rally behind the Constitution of Kenya Amendment Bill 2011, now before Parliament." The PM added.

The purpose of this Bill, he said is to address the question of achieving the right proportion of either gender in the coming election.

"In the interest of the Constitution, the minorities and the disadvantaged, I urge all MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to support the Bill and vote for it in the House." He added.

The PM said failure to do so would be a betrayal of the Constitution, the people of Kenya in general and the women in particular.

"I believe that if we have the will to support the constitutional provisions on gender, we will find the way to implement them" He added.

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