BUTERE, Kenya, Mar 13 – President Mwai Kibaki on Saturday said Members of Parliament should build consensus to ensure Kenyans get a new constitution this year.
President Kibaki noted that Kenyans are ready for a new constitution and minor differences should not be allowed to delay the review process.
“Let us not let down the young generation but complete this long journey that was started by veteran politicians like Martin Shikuku,” President Kibaki said.
President Kibaki spoke three days after MPs aligned to Prime Minister Raila Odinga frustrated a retreat for Parliamentarians to debate the draft at a retreat in Naivasha.
Differences between ODM and PNU led to the rejection of the retreat that was scheduled to start last Thursday. The talks were aimed at enlightening the MPs on the proposed law and seek a common stand before the debate begins in the House next week.
The President was speaking in Buture where he joined family, relatives, friends and other mourners at the burial of Mzee Christopher Ambetsa Oparanya who was Planning Minister Wycliffe Oparanya’s father.
President Kibaki, once again, asked politicians to stop political gimmicks at this point by pegging the constitution making on the next elections, saying only God knows who will be the next leader of Kenya.
Addressing mourners, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende echoed President Kibaki’s sentiments on the constitution, saying MP’s should adhere to the wishes of Kenyans and ensure the country gets a new constitution as scheduled.
The Prime Minister emphasized that legislators should unite and consult when debating the draft constitution.
On his part, Speaker Kenneth Marende expressed optimism that the 10th Parliament will deliver the long awaited constitution.
The late Mzee Ambetsa was laid to rest at his home in Emang’ala village, Mabole Sub-location in Butere district.
Earlier, President Kibaki addressed students of Butere Girls High School and urged them to work hard to excel in their studies as a way of thanking their parents who spend a lot of resources towards their education.
The President also advised the students to shun activities that could ruin their lives but instead embrace virtues that will enable them achieve a better future.
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