Message distorted by public debate on draft

Wasteful, immature and an exercise in futility are words that aptly describe the ongoing public meetings on the Proposed Constitution.

Politicians are posturing and misinforming citizens while clerics are adopting a holier-than-thou attitude as they generously distort swathes of the proposed law. Meanwhile, they are both justifying their positions by reading portions of the Bible selectively.

That was not the purpose of setting aside a period for civic education and open campaign.

These forums, regardless of one’s persuasion, were meant for leaders and educators to guide voters on the merits and/or demerits of the document they would vote on come August 4, so that they enter the polling booth with an enlightened position.

The charade being played out is scandalous and reeks of treachery as each side of the campaign seeks to outfox, demonise and decimate the rival camp.

In so doing, all the leaders have failed to heed the President’s Madaraka Day call for civility, tolerance for divergent views and honesty in delivering a crucial document that will serve generations to come.

When the elite subject a matter as important as constitution review through public ridicule, what would be expected of people at the grassroots?

Recrimination and mud-slinging in court and out of it have turned what was healthy debate into a surreal theatre of the absurd, defeating the purpose of civic education.

Why has it become so hard to find worthy role models in society from the ranks of our political and religious leaders?