Kenyan Leaders still divided over creation of new boundaries

By Standard team

ODM MPs have accused legislators opposed to the new constituencies of scuttling implementation of the new Constitution.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, ministers Dalmas Otieno, Paul Otuoma and Oburu Odinga, MPs Rachel Shebesh, Edwin Yinda, Nicholas Gumbo and John Pesa said the formula used to create the new constituencies was agreed upon by MPs, and some politicians were making an about-turn because the end results did not favour their communities.

Mudavadi, who is also Local Government Minister, lashed out at MPs who have moved to court to stop the publishing of the new constituencies, saying the move could hinder the implementation of the new Constitution.

Kanu Vice-Chairman Gideon Moi (second left), Kanu member Paul Kibet (left) and Kass FM Chairman Joshua Chepkwony with Alphonsus Girls High School students before a funds drive in aid of the school in Keiyo North, on Saturday. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG’/STANDARD]

"How will we forge ahead if we rush to courts with every little disagreement instead of first finding solutions?" asked Mudavadi.

Within mandate

He spoke in Vihiga during the burial of Joseph Kisia. Mudavadi said the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC) worked within its mandate and should only be praised for a job well done.

Suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto, speaking separately, said the Ligale team should be left to finish its work. "Everybody agrees with the new constituencies and the problem only seems to be on boundaries," said Mr Ruto at St Mary Mabera Girls High School in Kuria.

MPs Wilfred Machage, Victor Munyaka and Victor Lesonet echoed Ruto’s sentiments.

But Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi accused IIBRC of doing a poor job. "The new Constitution stipulates that whoever feels that his or her rights have been infringed in any way should move to court. This is what we have done to challenge the work done by the Ligale team," said the South Imenti MP.

Separately, Youth Affairs Assistant Minister Wavinya Ndeti and Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau defended Internal Security Minister George Saitoti against accusations that he ordered the Government printer to delay publishing of the contentious gazette notice establishing new constituencies.

Speaking at Kiiriangoro Youth Polytechnic on Saturday, the two leaders said Parliament risked losing its credibility if the new culture of MPs pushing ministers and Government officers to resign would be used to fight political wars.

"As leaders, we must not be driven by malice and misuse parliamentary roles by subjecting others to ridicule and public odium without tangible evidence," said Ms Ndeti.

And Kanu Vice chairman Gideon Moi has backed IIBRC on the creation of 80 new constituencies.

Gideon said the Ligale-led Commission was fair in its distribution of the new constituencies, which he said should be gazetted in line with the new Constitution.

"There will always be the majority leading in any given situation and the minority have to accept the rules of natural justice," Gideon said.

He faulted MPs for rushing to courts to bar the gazettement of the new boundaries. He spoke at the weekend when he helped to raise Sh7 million for St Alphonsus Mutei Girls’ School in Keiyo North District.

Kass FM chairman Joshua Chepkwony, Engineers John Bororot and John Tanui helped Gideon raise the money.

Keiyo North MP Lucas Chepkitony said majority of MPs would rally behind the Ligale team when the matter comes up before the House for debate. "Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo should tell the country his interest in the matter as he has been speaking against the Ligale team," Mr Chepkitony said.

— Stories by Roselyne Obala, Patrick Muriungi, Boniface Gikandi, Nick Oluoch, George Olwenya and Vitalis Kimutai