CoE strikes deal with House team

By Beauttah Omanga

The Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review has struck a deal with the Parliamentary Select Committee.

Tuesday’s meeting now hastens the country’s hopes of getting a new constitution.

Members of the two committees emerged from a joint five-hour meeting and announced they had agreed on a draft to be presented to Parliament later this month.

CoE Chairman Nzamba Kitonga and his PSC counterpart Abidkadir Mohammed said they had found a common ground on all key issues and exuded confidence political difference would not derail the process.

"We have had successful deliberations and we are optimistic we will deliver a draft that will stand the test of all Kenyans and meet their expectations" said PSC Vice-Chairman Ababu Namwamba.

This comes after the US Government warned it would be "irresponsible of leaders to derail constitutional review at this stage.

"We hope the process moves forward and all parties stick to the time table," said US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger at his Nairobi residence on Tuesday.

Watching closely

The ambassador said the international community was watching closely how the Coalition Government handles the search for a new constitution and the fight against corruption.

Mr Kitonga said the CoE had agreed with most PSC proposals.

"We have agreed with the PSC on a number of areas but still we will look at the entire Naivasha draft to ensure it is in tandem with Kenyans’ views," he said.

Mr Mohammed also dispelled fears wrangles in the Coalition Government were likely to interfere with the constitutional review.

"It is my hope constitution making will not be sacrificed at the political altar," he said.

Leaders at the meeting held at the Karen Co-operative College included ODM deputy party leaders Musalia Mudavadi and William Ruto.

The PNU side was almost full house except Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta. Sources said the meeting was cordial as the CoE listened to PSC members on their Naivasha resolutions.

Kitonga said a final copy could be released to the PSC next week.

"We have taken all PSC proposals, which will help us come up with a more acceptable and inclusive document," he said.