MPs say implementation of new Constitution a major challenge

By KARANJA NJOROGE

Molo MP Joseph Kiuna and Subukia MP Nelson Gaichuhie say the implementation of the new Constitution poses a major challenge for the country in the New Year.

The two said they hope politicians will shelve political interests ahead of next year’s elections and instead give priority to the implementation of the Constitution.

Gaichuhie however said he expects the country’s political landscape to change with only one year to the elections.

"We expect the country to see clear front-runners in the 2012 presidential aspirants emerge," the Subukia MP said. He said International Criminal Court should speed up the cases against the Ocampo six but do it in a fair and just manner.

Political arena

Kiuna said the Government should deal with the issue of resettlement of IDPs once and for all this year. "The IDP issue has dominated Kenyans minds for so long and we hope this year they will all be resettled so that they can join other Kenyans in building the nation," he added.

He said the prosecution of those involved in the post-election violence is important to end the culture of impunity and the cycle of violence, which affects the country every five years.

Gaichuhie said formation of the Independent Electoral Boundary Commission (IEBC) should be prioritised to ensure the country has new constituencies before 2012.

Kiuna said politicians from across the political divide should cultivate understanding to facilitate a conducive environment for the implementation of the new Constitution.

"It is very important that politicians put aside their differences and avoid taking the country to 2012 politics so that the process of implementing the new Constitution is completed within the required time," he added.

He said the fight against corruption should be intensified as a way of bringing to an end endemic graft, especially in Government ministries.

"Last year it was evident that corruption is still rampant and we want the Government this year to show commitment in tackling high level corruption," the MP said.

Former Subukia MP Koigi Wamwere said should some of the politicians in the Ocampo list be indicted, it will herald the emergence of new faces in the political arena.

Koigi said the implementation of the Constitution will bring confusion and anxiety, as many Kenyans do not comprehend the impending changes outlined in the new law.

Koigi further said some of the new Commissions to be formed would face enormous challenges.