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Kenya MPs want direct vote for CEO
BY LABAN WANAMBISI
Update 82days and 18 minutes ago
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NAIROBI, Kenya Nov 19- A section of Members of Parliament from Central Kenya now say they will push for amendments to the draft Constitution to ensure the person wielding executive power is directly elected by the people.
Speaking after a three-hour meeting in Nairobi, Central Kenya Parliamentians group chairman Ephrahim Maina said they were opposed to a President or Prime Minister exercising executive authority without the direct mandate of Kenyans.
“Whoever is the CEO - and this is the understanding anywhere in the world - whoever is in charge of a government must be the person given mandate by the ordinary people. So we wish to see that basic human right kept in our Constitution whatever system we adopt.”
The group said it would reach out to other parties to ensure consensus on the issue so that the review process is not derailed.
The Mathira MP however described the document as “a good and progressive document.”
“We have just started discussing the document. As we get to more details we will come across (contentious) sections and engage each other but otherwise, the document is pro-reform and we are pro-reform,” he said.
The party said it does not matter to them whether the person exercising executive authority enjoyed the title of President or Prime Minister, so long as he or she was directly elected by Kenyans.
At the same time, another section of Central Kenya MPs demanded that the review of constituency boundaries precede the adoption of a new Constitution.
Embakasi MP Ferdinand Waititu said the issue of boundaries should be entrenched in the Constitution.
“We are therefore insisting that the Andrew Ligale Boundaries Commission to complete it work first so that the constituencies can be part of the Constitution. We are therefore insisting no constituencies, no Katiba and we insist one man one vote must be considered,” he said.
His Nithi counterpart Kareke Mbiuki said if a new Consitution was enacted before the boundaries review process was complete, it was unlikely that constituency boundaries would be revised later.
He said: “We can’t adopt a parliamentary system of government with the number of constituencies because they are skewed to one side. That is why we are categorical on this.”
The MPs have been vocal demanding more constituencies in their region claiming that their areas are densely populated. But MPs from North Eastern and Coast provinces have been calling for the use of the "one-kilometre, one-vote" formula.
Currently Kenya has 210 constituencies and the Interim Independent Boundary Review Commission is mandated to review both administrative and electoral boundaries. 
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| POSTED COMMENTS (19) |
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| PFoster (November 20th, 2009, 2:50 PM) |
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| I get sad when this central kenyans are treated like they've no right to air their views, why do we tribalise everything they say! Having said that I think they're wrong to think a PM is not elected by the people since I believe each party would have a leader for this purpose before an election. My problem is that this works with strong parties based on policy which is non existant in Kenya. I will not be shocked if an MP ones in parliaments votes for another leader because he/she does not owe aligiance to their party but it was just a vehicle to parliament. The other thing is will the president belong to a party and if not what platform will he campaign on if he will not be able to implement it since he does not run the govt. If he will belong to a party, then I take it that it will be upon that party to get both president and mp's elected, this what happens in France but there the president deals more with foreign matters and pm with internal issues but where they come from opposite partys they cohabate! My other problem is the instability brought about by parliamentary system, it will cost us economicaly coz as I said our party politics is pathetic and it will be a new govt every year based on our tribal interests. In economies like Israel, Italy, Japan etc their strong economies shield them from the frequent govt changes but for an economy like ours that depends so much on govt. stability, we shall be paying a huge price. I think what we need is a strong parliament and senate with fair representation to check a strong president just like in the USA! |
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| Myra (November 20th, 2009, 1:58 PM) |
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| This guys shud stop being selfish n keep in mind that central province isnt going 2 be a power hse forever neither is Kibaki/Raila going to rule always a precident can come from any other community. For once let Kenyans read the draft n decide 4 themselves...... |
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| karanja (November 20th, 2009, 1:20 PM) |
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| wacheni siasa ya pesa nane concerning boundaries and our ceo,its good we use common sence on all this matter4 boundiries it should be one man one vote for equality,for ceo theres no way elected person by majority be ceremonial and elected by 200 be powerfur.how can 200 people can be compared with millions of people |
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| mose' (November 20th, 2009, 1:14 PM) |
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| i thought the making of a new constitution was all about honest debate and respect for everyone's opinion. This way we can debate with sobriety and arrive at a consensus. The people of central kenya just like all other kenyans have a right of opinion on this issue. It is hypocrisy of the highest order to villify them on the basis of their opinion yet its an open secret that all political actors are having their own interests in this process of constitution making.
I personally believe the COE needed to be alittle bold and recomend one CEO with strong checks and balances and clear separation of powers. the idea of both prezzi and pm is contardictory and recipe for chaos. its like following two routes simultaneously like the proverbial hyena and splitting the limbs midway.
the fundamental basis of a parliamentary system is proportional representation and thus if are to go that route then we need to ensure the basis is there by way of ensuring proportinal representation.
otherwise we can opt to go the presidential system way with a system close to the american one with electoral college and strong and independent supporting institutions of goverment like parliament, judiciary, AG's office etc |
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| zacharia amisi (November 20th, 2009, 12:42 PM) |
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| let the central mps to stop tribalsim since what the only think is just to remain power .when will we get a constitution ? and lastly let us forget about our partys and supoort this document |
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| mikel Chase (November 20th, 2009, 10:24 AM) |
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| This is very simple.. The Leader of the party with majority of MPs takes the role of the PM! Simple.. its the people choice.. not a minority group!? either a back door entrance.. So, the parties should have a president and PM candidate.. if for example PARTY A wins the presidency and they have majority of MPS, then the PM is automatically picked! in any case where PARTY A (eg PNU) gets the president and PARTY B (eg ODM) has the majority of MPs then you have a power sharing game... This will make Kenyans wake up and choose their leaders with soberity.. |
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| Maundu Maloba (November 20th, 2009, 10:11 AM) |
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| Give Kenyans time to read the document. Tribal groupings like this Central Kenya MPs (when did Embakasi and Nithi migrate to Central?) should stop their biased interpretation. To them PM is read Raila and President means Kibaki. Let us look at the proposed titles without current holders and give our views to CoE. We have less than 28 days. |
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| MusiliAU (November 20th, 2009, 2:05 AM) |
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| This thing is not going anywhere! They have also ignored church as part of society and went a head to suggest that Kadhi courts aren't contentious issue. |
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| Ole Gitonga (November 20th, 2009, 12:58 AM) |
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| It doesn't make sense for someone to do all the campaigning and end up assuming a ceremonial role. During elections, people decide on who should rule them by gauging the ability of leadership in those seeking the vote. How then should the peoples choice sit aside and watch the show being run by someone else without legitimate mandate of the people. Mtaka cha mvunguni, sharti ainame. |
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| BEN (November 19th, 2009, 11:35 PM) |
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| One man one vote ! democracy is all about people representation, check its defination.One kilometre one vote ? I will go to North eastern and buy 10000 kilometres of desert land, that 10000 votes. |
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| Nderitu Wa Gachuru (November 19th, 2009, 8:03 PM) |
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| The era of Baba na Mama politics is gone.The issue here is checks and balances of power.This constitution is good.Let parliament legislate and stagger the elections.Counties should hold offices for 2 years to ensure accountability to voters.All taxation measures must be voted for by voters to become effective.We must be prepared to pay more taxes to Kujenga Kenya mpya. |
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| Francis (November 19th, 2009, 8:01 PM) |
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| One thing is clear.THIS CONSTITUTION IF PASSED SHOULD NOT/CANNOT BE IMPLEMENTED FOR 2012.You cannot subject the country to this huge experiment all at once.Imagine going to elections after the chaos of 2007 and intead of seeking healing trying to elect tribal chiefs/kings in every village.You thought "foreiners" were being chased away last time!wait when tribal governors start calculating the votes-they will kick out all the "madoadoas" that will make them lose.The duty of any government is to guarantee safety/hope and security/stability of the state.Now imagine that after elections are declared-THE COUNTRY WILL NOT HAVE A GOVERNMENT-UNTILL THE MUNGIKI IN PARLIAMENT "SELECTS ONE OF THEIRS AS PM"!THIS IS A STUPID EXPERIMENT FOR AN "UNSTABLE NATION LIKE OURS".Who is the "LEADER OF PARTY WITH MAJORITY"?IS S/HE IDENTIFIED/DECLARED TO ELECTORAL COMMISSION AS "RUNNING AS LEADER FOR PURPOSE OF BEING PM"?Suppose 10 parties each win about 20 seats-SO THE LEADER IS ONE WITH 21 SEATS?-THIS IS DUMB.The draft talks about a coalition-MOST DANGEROUS CLAUSE!WHEN IS THIS COALITION FORMED?BEFORE OR AFTER?WHAT ARE THE RULES OF ENGAGEMET?WE ALREADY HAVE THOSE-PNU!WHAT HAPPENS IF "KARUA"RUNS AWAY?THE COALITION COLLAPSES?What happens as parliament tries to elect the pm assuming there is a president elect/sworn?What does s/he do with no government?Who will be the leader/head of goverment at that stage?The outgoing pm?This kind of arrangement may be good in future but not for a country led by tribalists.What happens to the provincial adm.structures/workers? This is a big joke-to replace profesionals with tribal kings and expect to heal the country.What happens to AP POLICE?BECOME THE SECURITY FOR TRIBAL GOVERNORS?GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD!TALK TO KENYANS-THEY ARE WISER THAN THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS.Do not give us a document for Kibaki and Raila-They should be barred from running for any office going forward.ABOVE ALL-DO NOT IMPLEMENT THIS DOCUMENT FOR 2012-HEAL THE COUNTRY FIRST-GROW THE ECONOMY-SETTLE THE IDPS AND THE MAU EVICTEES FIRST.IN OTHER WORDS GROW UP SEE SENSE.DO NOT EVICT KENYANS FROM FORESTS WITH NO PLANS AND CAUSE A CRISES.THE COUNTRY HAS NO FOOD-IDPS CANNOT BE 100% PROPDUCTIVE-YOU NOW EVICT WOMEN AND CHILDREN WITH NO NATION/SECURITY PLAN-SOMEONE IS DUMB.DO THESE THINGS AND THEN TALK ABOUT THE NEW CONSTITUTION AFTER YOU SOBER UP FROM MURATINA BREW! |
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| beeeam (November 19th, 2009, 7:42 PM) |
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| ramtu, punguza ubonzo, what you are suggesting is what was rejected in 2005, tuliza boli. |
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| John of Anaheim CA (November 19th, 2009, 7:31 PM) |
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| These guys have a point. There is no where in the world where the leader of government is simply elected by few representatives in bunge. The country's leadership mandate comes from the people, and we should not be an exception. Why should we have a CEO who will be a captive of parliament? Why would Kenyans elect a president who cannot be held responsible for the country's governance? We need to think again about this structure. |
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| beatricem (November 19th, 2009, 7:31 PM) |
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| this can be very simple here we are talking about national cake on issue of boundaries so if the issue is about one kilometer one vote it should go that even on issue of taxation.kenya is not for sizes its for kenyans |
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| Taita (November 19th, 2009, 7:24 PM) |
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| Please read it stop poisoning the mind of people, let the people decide.We will not be able to achieve the goal if we start confusing people about it.You politicians encouragge the people to read, do alot of civic education to allow people understand what is good and what is not good. |
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| Dennis (November 19th, 2009, 7:20 PM) |
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| I agree with most people that MPs should never be given the power to pick amongst them someone who will be more powerful than the man we elect. However, this is the time for debate, so Ramtu please remove that defeatist attitude and submit your opinion. This time around, healthy debate and consensus will give us a new constitution, hakuna kuangusha kitu hapa.
We also agree that an ALL POWERFUL president or PM is poisonous, so checks and balances are necessary.
If we manage to look at President and PM as institutions, and not as Kibaki and Raila, then we are ok. Otherwise, Kibaki's people will argue for Presidency, or Raila's for PM as if those positions are being created for them. Lets be sober and debate constructively. |
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| Paul (November 19th, 2009, 7:08 PM) |
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| I think it's about trime that our MPs realized that most of us are not interested in their petty politics. The days of vote rigging should be a thing of the past. Besides, most of the most stable countries in the world... UK, India, New Zealand, et al, the Head of Government is not directly elected by the people but rather the people vote for the parties and the leader of the party with the majority is elected as Prime Minister. So, this is utter shenanigens! |
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| Ramtu (November 19th, 2009, 6:31 PM) |
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| There should be no free ride to power. If you want to be the CEO of Kenya, come to us (voters) and seek the vote. We will not allow you to hide behind some MPs for hire to assume such an important office. Hii draft tunaangusha just like we did in 2005. Wakenya mpo? |
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