KHRC: Be alert as new law is applied

By Elizabeth Mwai and Ernest Ndunda

Kenyans should be vigilant in ensuring the implementation of the new Constitution, the Kenya Human Rights Commission has said.

The group has urged the public to pay special attention to the setting up of the commission charged with implementing the new Constitution.

KHRC executive director Muthoni Wanyeki says this can only happen if Kenyans continued to read and understand the new Constitution.

"We urge civil society organisations and other actors to continuously conduct civic education for people to understand the new law especially the areas where there were distortions and misinformation," Wanyeki said.

Speaking at their offices, Wanyeki said Kenyans must push for the enactment of the various pieces of legislations set out in the fifth schedule of the new Constitution of Kenya.

Wanyeki appealed to Kenyans to focus on the performance of legislators by asking them to pass the legislations with speed.

She said one of the indicators that President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are serious about change would be when they ensure the Attorney General and Chief Justice resign.

Elsewhere, the Provincial Administration is not worried about the new Constitution, Coast PC, Ernest Munyi, has said.

He said the administration was proud to take part in making history by backing the new Constitution.

"We were in the forefront in campaigning for the new law because it will be good for all Kenyans," the PC said.

Speaking at a Mombasa hotel, Munyi said the Provincial Administration would be restructured in line with the times.

Village Campaigns

During the referendum campaigns, the ‘No’ side accused the Government of using Provincial Administration to champion the Proposed Constitution.

However, several chiefs at the Coast campaigned against the document in their villages.

This is even as a cross-section of Rift Valley leaders called on President Kibaki to ensure contentious issues on the ratified constitution are addressed.

MPs Benjamin Langat (Ainamoi), Fred Kapondi (Mount Elgon), Joshua Kutuny (Cherangany), Lucas Kigen (Rongai), Mrs Peris Simam (Eldoret South), Sammy Mwaita, (Baringo Central) Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat and former MP Paul Sang said the amendments should be carried out immediately.