Withdraw Bill, NCCK tells Government

By Ramadhan Rajab

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) wants the Government to withdraw the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2009.

Members said they were appalled by allegations that money changed hands to sway the outcome of the debate.

Speaking at an inter-religious forum at Ufungamano hall yesterday, NCCK General Secretary Peter Karanja said clerics were concerned with the lethargy and indifference Parliament has demonstrated despite the gravity of the proposals for a special tribunal to try suspected perpetrators of the post-election chaos.

"We consider the militancy being demonstrated by competing forces in Parliament a reflection of conflict of interest," Canon Karanja said.

They said only a competent and credible Tribunal should be established to end impunity.

The council urged MPs to interrogate the Bill.

"It is reckless for Parliament to mourn with us on the independence of our institutions whereas they are responsible for legislating laws that will make them credible," Karanja said.

Null and void

The forum proposed that Parliament amend the Bill to make provisions that would insulate the Tribunal from being declared null and void.

NCCK also rejected the provision in the current Bill that will see the perpetrators of post-election violence retain their public offices .

Meanwhile, NCCK has announced Thursday February 19 as a ‘national prayer day’.

Going under God Restore Our Nation banner, the prayer, the leaders said, would be used towards deep reflection and healing.

They appealed to the Government to declare this day a national holiday to allow every Kenyan attend prayers.

In Nairobi, the prayers will be held at KICC President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have been invited.