Statement against quit ultimatum to Draft Constitution naysayers

By now most of us have made our minds about the constitution. If you haven't, well, there is still time. Bunge la Wananchi, like many of us,  is concerned about the president's isolation of Cabinet ministers who oppose the constitution (the No campaign).

We wish to remind the principals that Kenya is a democracy and it is in the nature of a democracy for the majority to have their way but the minority to have their say. It is in the spirit of democracy for competing ideas to be resolved at the ballot box if consensus cannot be built in advance. In a democracy, the fundamental rights of all are protected regardless of the views that they hold.

Discuss.

Are we Reading the Same Constitution?

A reader shares comments that he has seen as criticisms of the proposed constitution. As he shows, none of them have nothing to do with the proposal. Check

A conveniently defective draft, experts' mistakes and the usual ironies of Keny

Yes, we are heavy on the constitution. That we must. After all, it is an historic moment in Kenya, not since the Lancaster House has the constitution been so close to passing (matter of fact, in the next couple of days we'll try and figure out why with all the similarities to the Wako/Kilifi draft) this one has taken a hold.

Our lawyer friend, Eric Ng'eno returns to our pages. His talking points:

First, is that a new constitution is a non-negotiable imperative for the people of Kenya at this time, and so much so, that failure to deliver one before the next Election will be deemed a singular failure of all leadership, and a massive stain on careers and legacies. No one wishes to countenance a failure to deliver. It is as unconscionable as it is disastrous.

Secondly, that the Draft Constitution shortly to be published by the Attorney-General has quite a number of 'positive aspects' that commend it to our favourable civic treatment at the ballot come the referendum.

Thirdly, that the same draft also has certain imperfections, or defects if you will, that needs must be amended.

Martha Karua on Kenya's Proposed Constitution

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs asks that you vote for the proposed constitution in the coming referendum.

Curate's Egg: Assessment of Kenya's Proposed Constitution

As everyone seems to be saying, the “approval” by the National Assembly (NA) of the Proposed Constitution (PC) was historic, and MPs are being profusely thanked. Except that we had another historic day in March 2004 when Bomas adopted a constitution, and that the NA had no authority to approve the PC. It is amazing that only one member realised this, even though the NA itself had made this rule when enacting section 47A of the Constitution. So much for constitutions!

A snap shot that you really MUST read.

No such thing as a Muslim vote

Amir Ibrahim argues that the courting of Muslims by politicians is not only unfair to Kenyans of other faiths, but also dangerous to the Muslim voters themselves as a perception of them as a fifth column, self-serving and inimical to the needs of other citizens is created and reinforced. He also argues that there really is no such thing as an Islamic constituency and pleads that Kenyans come to a universal conception of rights that are due to all citizens regardless of race or religion.
Read more here.