Seize historic moment, Kenyans told

By David Ochami and Dedan Okanga

Visiting US Congressmen have said Kenya stands at a critical historic moment in its development.

Eight Congressmen visiting Kenya’s Parliament described Kenya’s constitution review process leading to a referendum as an electrifying moment likely to lead to a new order.

Head of delegation David Price yesterday said a new constitution would expand parliamentary democracy and the role of the legislature in policy making.

"Under the new constitution, the role of Parliament will increase," said Price who added that a bicameral legislature would expand public representation.

They are here to discuss the working of a bicameral Parliament and role of committees in democracy.

New charter

When they met House Speaker Kenneth Marende they said the current Parliament would play a historic role in writing new legislation to implement the expected new charter.

Price said the US considers Kenya a key country in Africa.

Others in the entourage are Congressmen Keith Elison, David Dreier, Donald Payne, Allyson Schwartz, Mike Conaway, Patrick Kennedy and Vern Buchanan.‘Yes’ team intensifies campaigns in North Rift

Elsewhere, proponents of the Proposed Constitution intensified their campaigns, targeting hundreds of youth and women in North Rift.

The group held rallies in Keiyo North and South districts where they asked hundreds of youth and women groups to back the Proposed Constitution.

Local chiefs from Kapsang, Soy, Chepteb and Kesup locations, who support the document joined them, saying they supported a restructured Provincial Administration as proposed in the draft.

Under the Western Pressure Group Alliance, the team cautioned residents to be wary of the ‘falsehoods’ some politicians have peddled on the clauses of land and marriage.

They challenged recent claims by a section of the ‘No’ camp leaders that the proposed laws allowed same sex marriages.

"Politicians have taken advantage of the fact that some rural parts of the North Rift have not received this document and, therefore, lie to them on its contents," said Mr Jacob Rotich, the co-ordinator.

They were speaking at the African Inland Church, Cheptebo Rural Development Centre on Tuesday.

The group said the Committee of Experts should make haste and distribute the draft to marginalised regions to allow residents read it and make informed decisions.