Counties are not enough, we want Majimbo

CONSTITUTION

JANUARY 10, 2010

BY EUGENE OMILO

An Islamic organization has threatened to reject the draft constitution presented to Parliament by the Committee of Experts (CoE) if certain amendments are not made.

 

Delegates attending the Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (KEMNAC) in a Mombasa hotel yesterday vowed to reject the draft saying it does not represent views presented by Kenyans.

KEMNAC’ s national chairman Sheikh Juma Ngao said the organization will continue pushing for the adoption of a strong Majimbo system and a parliamentary system of government as opposed to the hybrid system contained in the draft.

He said the hybrid system elicited sharp reactions from members of the public who gave their preferences which he alleges the CoE did not consider while compiling the views.

“We are not supporting the draft as it is. Our MPs should streamline it to represent our views or we shall mobilize Kenyans to shun it,” said Sheikh Ngao.

During the meeting the delegates also supported the bill published by Local government minister Musalia Mudavadi which proposes that Mayors of major towns be degree holders.

They said the country needs leaders who are well educated to preside over towns and municipal council affairs in a better way.

According to them, the requirements should be extended to Members of parliament and councilors as many Kenyans are well learned and ready to take up the positions.

“A region like Coast has many degree and diploma holders in various disciplines who can take up the challenges in leadership in a proper manner, we appeal to our brothers who are well learned to come up and vie for these positions,” said Sheikh Ngao.

Ngao criticized those opposed to the bill claiming that the appointment of semi illiterate people to leadership positions is outdated and portrays the region as one that does not value education.

“If you call youths who have attained university degrees at the municipal stadium today, you will be surprised to find out they are so many, they cannot even fit in there,” said Ngao.

He went ahead and named various scholars from the region as evidence. 

ENDS…