NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 10 – The Chairman of the Parliamentary Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee Abdikadir Mohammed has assured that the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution and that on Revenue Allocation could be set up next week.
Mr Mohammed has told Capital News that debate on the nominees that was adjourned at the height of a dispute over the distribution of 80 new constituencies shall be concluded before the House breaks for Christmas recess.
He says he hopes the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee will table its recommendations on the report of the Andrew Ligale led Boundaries Commission by Wednesday which will pave way for the adoption of the names.
“Everything going smoothly, by next week Thursday we should be through,” said the Mandera Central MP at the sidelines of a Kenya – Zambia business forum in Lusaka.
The country missed the first constitution deadline two weeks ago when the MPs halted debate on the nominees in protest of the blocking of the gazetting of the new units.
On Monday the MPs agreed to debate the controversial report and make amendments where necessary and then forward it to the yet-to-be-created Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to implement.
“The debate (on the two commissions’ nominees) was adjourned. It wasn’t withdrawn or changed so I suspect it will move from the point it was.”
On Monday National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende had warned MPs that a persistent Constitutional impasse would force the country into a snap election.
Mr Marende told a retreat of legislators that they needed to resolve the ongoing dispute over the distribution of the constituencies to unlock the stalled implementation of the Constitution or be ready to face the electorate.
“Have no illusion as we are all in one boat; the President, the Prime Minster and MPs,” he said.
Two businessmen have already filed a case at the High Court seeking the dissolution of Parliament for failing to stick by the constitutional deadlines as provided in the law. According to the Constitution, any Kenyan can move to court to call for the dissolution of Parliament should it fail to meet the implementation deadline. The Chief Justice is mandated to advise the President to dissolve the House and call for an election.
The case is awaiting directions by Chief Justice Evan Gicheru.
However Mr Mohammed said there is light at the end of the tunnel. He assured that his committee and the entire Parliament were determined to ensure a successful implementation of the constitution.
“Once we sort out the boundaries issues, which are tricky but not insurmountable then we expect to be back on track,” he said adding that “There is a lot that needs to be done especially in the Judiciary and police reforms.”
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