Muslims back draft proposal on Executive

By Athman Amran

Muslims support the hybrid system of government as proposed in the Harmonised Draft Constitution.

They, however, recommend that the State President should seek approval from Parliament before declaring a state of emergency or war. In the draft, the State President only needs approval from the Cabinet to do so.

"Considering the critical nature of this function and its potential impact on the nation, Parliament should approve such decisions by the State President," the Muslims recommend ed in their memorandum to the Committee of Experts (CoE).

The National Muslim Leaders Forum (Namlef) and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) presented the memorandum to CoE Chairman Nzamba Kitonga at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday.

Clarification sought

Representing Namlef was chairman Sheikh Abdillahi Abdi while Director-General Sheikh Abdillatif Shaaban represented Supkem. Also present was Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Secretary General Sheikh Mohamed Dor.

Muslims also want a clarification on whether the president, after the expiry of two terms in office, could run for premiership and vice-versa.

"There is explicit need to prevent such an eventuality," they said.

They said, save for such amendments, the hybrid system had checks and balances as executive authority was divided between State President, premier, Parliament, senate and to some degree devolved governments.