MPs hold secret talks on law

By Peter Opiyo and Alex Ndegwa

Intense lobbying went on in the precincts of Parliament even as debate on the Proposed Constitution continued.

The behind-the-scenes horse trading has extended to a flurry of night meetings where regional and ethnic interests are taking centre stage.

MPs were expected to start filing their proposed amendments with the Clerk’s office yesterday, as announced by Speaker Kenneth Marende.

Today the House will start considering proposals, some of which — like that on devolution — have the potential to trigger heated debate.

For them to pass they will require the support of 65 per cent of all members before transmission to the Committee of Experts for redrafting.

The push to expunge transitional clauses on the National Accord, bid to introduce 25 regions and revision of the abortion clause are among a raft of amendments lined up. PNU targets transitional clause requiring the President to consult the Prime Minister in appointments. It fears the Premier could enjoy ‘incumbency powers’ given President Kibaki’s presidency may weaken as 2012 elections near.

Other amendments target the clause capping the minimum and maximum acreage of land and the push by women for more seats in the Senate and National Assembly.

Yesterday, women MPs held a brief meeting at Parliament’s lobby to press for their case. The issue on regions is causing jitters within the political class with some MPs warning it could balkanise the country.

In Parliament, Ikolomani MP Bonny Khalwale spoke against the regions citing the bitter experience of 2008.

Camps allied to Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Agriculture Minister William Ruto reportedly met on Tuesday night while Coast representatives also secretly met to buttress their case for regions.

But Tourism Minister Najib Balala pleaded with colleagues to stop secret meetings.

The Speaker has ruled that no amendment shall be permitted if in his opinion it represents a direct negative of the question proposed.

A section of MPs are said to be uncomfortable with two-tier system and are now lining up amendments to introduce at least 25 regions and raise counties from the proposed 47 to 80.

It is understood that the introduction of the regions is popular with MPs from North Eastern, Nyanza, and Coast. Western and Central provinces are, however, said to be opposed to the regions.