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Last Updated: 06/07/2012
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Prime Minister Raila Odinga today appealed to lawyers in the country to play an active role in ensuring the new constitution is implemented and respected.
Mr Odinga also appealed to Kenyans to stop resistance to the constitution out of the fear of the unknown.
He singled out resistance to Devolution and the restructuring of the provincial administration, which he said is caused by a refusal by some to understand what it entails.
“Some people are resisting Devolution because they have refused to understand it. They refuse to accept that what is coming may be much better than what we already have,” he said.
Mr Odinga said that although he is campaigning to be president and believes he will win, he is opposed to the appointment of County Commissioners to work alongside the Governors as representatives of the presidency.
“I don’t think the centralized system can work side by side with the devolved system. I am saying this despite seeking to be President. Some people are saying we need the Commissioners as representatives of the President. I object. The President will have to find ways of working with the Governors. That is the only way we will unite this country,” the PM said.
The PM said the country is at a critical stage that needed the engagement of lawyers as they have done at other times of great transition.
“We are in very challenging time as a country. We are in transition from the old order to a new order. As was expected, we are experiencing some resistance and your role will be critical,” the PM said.
Mr Odinga was speaking when he received the Council of the Law Society of Kenya at his offices.
The LSK officials led by their chairman Mr Eric Mutua, had visited the PM to present a petition on Amendments made through the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2012.
In a memorandum, the LSK sought to have the Government reconsider amendments made to the Advocates Act, the Civil Procedure Act, the Magistrates Court Act, Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Act, Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Act and The National Cohesion and Integration Act.
The Society also sought assurance from the government that the provisions of Leadership and Integrity Act will be implemented faithfully.
The officials said that the issue of whether leaders involved in the ICC cases and who have been mentioned in unresolved corruption scandals should run for political office raises the bigger issue of voters’ role in fighting corruption and participating in the implementation of the Constitution.
The officials raised concern that a section of members of parliament have started watering down this law by claiming that those provisions stand suspended until the Act on leadership is enacted.
Mr Mutua said that the LSK has posted notices in the daily papers calling for information on leaders who want to run for office and evidence as to the positive or negative aspects of the prospective leaders.
“In doing the Law Society hopes to increase public participation on political governance and increase public awareness on chapter six of the Constitution,” Mutua said.
Mutua said the LSK is equally concerned over delay in the appointment of the members of the National Police Service Commission, the Inspector General and the two Deputies which has blocked further implementation of the reforms.
Responding, Mr Odinga said some of the issues the lawyers were raising are also being discussed internally within Government.
He however said there is some resistance both within and outside government, adding that the opposition is being caused by fear of the unknown.
PMPS
JULY 6, 2012
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