Rift Valley rivals’ interests converge in opposition to draft

By Vitalis Kimutai

Sharp divisions have emerged among leaders over the Proposed Constitution ahead of the referendum.

But the differences seem to be narrowing among Rift Valley leaders as the country gets into the referendum campaign mood.

A scenario like that witnessed in the 2005 plebiscite is being replayed, where political rivals temporarily put aside their differences to push for a ‘No’ vote.

In the 2005 referendum, former President Moi found himself in the same boat as a group of Rift Valley MPs he had fallen out with, including ODM chairman Henry Kosgey, National Heritage Minister William ole Ntimama and Roads Minister Franklin Bett, among others, as they campaigned against the Wako Draft.

This time a similar scenario is unfolding with strange political bedfellows pushing for a ‘No’ campaign against the Proposed Constitution ahead of the referendum.

Agriculture Minister William Ruto shares a similar stand on the draft with Moi and Kanu officials led by Vice-Chairman Gideon Moi, Secretary General Nick Salat, and former Health Minister Paul Sang.

"Land and ethnic factors are emotive and need to be handled with care. I do not wish to be judged harshly by history for being party to such a document," Moi said a week ago.

He struck a chord with most MPs when he said: "The draft is purely academic and does not capture the mood and aspirations of majority."

Ruto has repeatedly called for amendment of the Constitutional Review Act 2008 to pave way for extension of the time frame within which to conduct the referendum to allow for renegotiation of contentious issues.

"We can go to Parliament to amend the draft and take a non-divisive document to referendum. Just like the National Accord was passed in one afternoon, it is still possible to amend the draft so as not to split Kenya," Ruto said in Nakuru at a function attended by President Kibaki and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka.

Declare stand

The minister believes it would not be practical for MPs to amend the draft once it passes in the referendum.

The MPs backing Ruto include Charles Keter, Jackson Kiptanui, Jebii Kilimo, Julius Kones, Benjamin Lagat, Zakayo Cheruiyot, Isaac Ruto, Lucas Kigen, Sammy Mwaita, Peris Simam, Elijah Lagat, Fred Kapondi and Boaz Kaino.

Roads Minister Franklin Bett, Assistant Minister Beatrice Kones, and Sotik MP Joyce Laboso have not declared their stand on the draft.

On the other hand, ODM Chairman Henry Kosgey, Higher Education Minister Sally Kosgei, Assistant Minister Josephat Nanok, MPs Langat Magerer (Kipkelion), Julius Murgor (Kapenguria), Wilson Litole (Sigor) and Nominated MP Musa Sirma have teamed up for a ‘Yes’ vote.

Unlike in 2005 when the Church was ambivalent, majority of religious leaders in the province have rejected the draft.

Bishop Cornelius Korir of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Bishop Silas Yego of the African Inland Church, Bishop Thomas Kogo of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Eldoret Diocese, and Reverend Paul Leleito of the African Gospel Church have opposed the draft.

Representatives of 30 churches in the South Rift led by Bishop Jackson ole Sabit of the Anglican Church, Kericho diocese, have vowed to mobilise their followers to reject the draft.

Kalenjin Council of Elders has also been sucked into the debate and are urging the community to reject the draft if contentious clauses are not amended.

Maj (ret) John Seii, the council chairman, led the officials in a meeting with MPs in Eldoret last week, when they raised issues of land and devolution as the ones informing their decision.

"The proposed senate which would have provided checks and balances on the presidency is weak and leaves us with a super imperial head of state," they stated at a pres briefing.

Seii added: "The National Land Policy and the proposed National Land Commission to regulate and manage land is detrimental to the community’s interest in the short and long-term," they said.

MPs who attended the meeting, included Ruto, Sports Minister Hellen Sambili, Kilimo and Kiptanui did not speak to the Press.

Overstepped mandate

The position of the council of elders is a boost for those pushing for a ‘No’ vote in the province.

But other elders such as Mzee Said Keittany, Joel Kirui, Joseph Sang and Kipkorir Menjo have differed with their counterparts, saying the elders had overstepped their mandate by teaming up with MPs for a ‘No’ campaign.

"The draft is progressive and good for the country. For the elders to say they will reject it clearly demonstrates they are ill informed," Kirui said.