Moi: New laws to burden taxpayer

By Daniel Nzia

Retired President Moi made a triumphant entry into Machakos where he trashed the Proposed Constitution and urged Kenyans to reject it at the referendum.

Mr Moi said apart from the controversial Kadhi courts and abortion clauses, there were numerous contentious issues.

He said the proposed laws would not put ugali on the tables of Kenyans, as they would be taxed highly to finance operations of county governments.

Retired President Moi joined political and Church leaders at Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium where they campaigned against the Proposed Constitution. Mutito MP Kiema Kilonzo (shaking hands) attended the rally. Photo: David Kanda/Standard

"The counties would tax the people thoroughly," he said amid applause from the huge crowd that gathered at the Kenyatta Stadium for the ‘No’ rally.

The retired Head of State cautioned Kenyans against ignoring issues that would later burden them.

"Why can’t you even say no to something that is going to fix you," wondered Moi.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ‘No’ camp, adding he would traverse the country campaigning against the document.

"I belong to this group. Whenever you see me know that I am a ‘No’ person", assured the former President as he urged Kenyans to be conscious of their future.

He alleged that the civil society and non-government organisations manufactured the Proposed Constitution.

The former Head of State further said the country needed a constitution that united all Kenyans, but not a document that would divide them on tribal inclinations.

Moi thanked the Church for standing firm against the new laws and promised to accompany them whenever they went.

Chants of "Nyayo! Nyayo!" rent the air as Assistant Minister Margaret Wanjiru invited the former President to address the crowd.

MPs Victor Munyaka, Kiema Kilonzo, Daniel Muoki, Mutava Musyimi, and former MPs Mark Too and Nick Salat accompanied Moi.

Bishop Mark Kariuki took the gathering through sections of the document and urged them to reject it at the referendum on August 4.

He accused the ‘Yes’ team of branding them liars and prophets of doom, and urged Kenyans to judge which between the ‘No’ and ‘Yes’ teams was telling the truth.

Heckled and jeered

Dr Munyaka reiterated the need for Kenyans to unite with the clergy in rejecting the new law until the bad clauses are amended.

Mr Kilonzo termed the Machakos rally an indication that Ukambani was a ‘No’ zone and urged the community to remain steadfast in rejecting the document.

Meanwhile, a councillor who attempted to drum up support for the proposed laws found himself on the receiving end when ‘No’ supporters heckled and jeered him.

Masaku County Council Chairman Stanley Mang’eli ran into trouble when he told worshippers at Bomani AIC Church that the Government could not give Kenyans a bad constitution.

It took the intervention of the Machakos AIC Bishop Bernard Nguyo to calm the charged ‘No’ supporters who included civic leaders.

Retired President Moi, who attended the service presided over by Head of the church Bishop Silas Yego, watched as the drama unfolded.

Bishop Nguyo was forced to snatch the microphone from the council boss as some worshippers walked out.