** This thread discusses the content article:
WHY YES, FOR KENYAN! **
In the likely event that the proposed constitution passes, Kenyans will join the likes of US citizens who are known to easily quote sections of their constitution even in street conversations. In our ongoing grassroots civic education on the proposed constitution, we are witnessing numerous Kenyans quote sections of the proposed constitution and go ahead to attempt and make personal interpretations authoritatively and confidently. The areas that have generated the most interest and that have been most heavily quoted from the proposed constitution include clauses on socio-economic rights, rights of arrested persons, recall clause on legislators, provisions on police service, provisions for an independent candidate, women’s representation, provision on minimum and maximum land ownership, county governments and equitable distribution of resources among others.
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If the signs of the times are anything to go by, we are surely living in a constitutional moment and we must not for flimsy reason of divisionary politics, unfortunate want of relevance or even sheer fear of unknown let this moment pass us by. That said, in my travels I have realized that there huge pockets of electorate base who have not been reached with civic education and these lot may feel disenfranchised from the constitutional review process if nothing is done to salvage the situation. In order to ensure that come the Referendum date, it is all systems go we must urgently put in place measures to shake every corner of Kenya with the transformation message of constitution.
In my considered thought, there is no single Kenyan, except of course beneficiaries of the corrupt status quo, that does not want to hear the good news of a new constitution, a new leadership, a new order, a new Kenya! If you think about if you have been benefitting from some situation and then you had that situation is going to be removed, don’t you think you would fight so hard? In that case I understand where Moi, Ruto, Jirongo, Shaban and the likes why they are furious. What I do not understand is fellow Kenyans who are stuck on issues that can be cured by provision in amendment clause. I say this cognizant of challenges that clause, and in my thinking, I do not support the idea of having amendment clause that can be done easily, however if an issue is popular then mobilizing the a million signature, getting county support and even forcing government to produce referendum money would not be an issue.
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What is worrying me as Yes activist, the latest opinion poll showing the undecided vote should worry proposed constitution supporters. This is so because in the event of indecision, people tend to go with what they know. This places vote for status quo in a comfortable anticipation.
It would be of great help if all those who are reading this message could just talk today to their fathers, mothers, siblings, neighbours, friends, workmates and acquaintances on what it is they are saying yes to in the proposed constitution. Is it the land reforms? Is it the reform in the police? Is it devolution? Is it youth representation? Is it separation of powers in the three arms of government? Is it the provision of getting cabinet outside parliament? Is it the bill of rights? Is socioecomic rights provision? Is it the provision that members of parliament won’t increase their salary at will? On the other hand it is also important that if you hold contrary opinion on the constitution, it could be very useful if you asked yourself what it is that repulse you on this proposed constitution?
Realistically speaking, a good constitution is a negotiated document that serves the larger majority and not sectarian interests. As is the nature of all negotiations, it is a give and take process, and you cannot have your way in everything. Thus for all of us, it is only fitting that you identify the clause you really like and vote yes, because of that particular clause. For instance: North Easterners should vote yes, because in the proposed constitution citizens from these areas shall no longer be a forgotten frontier. Fellow Kenyans from Rift Valley, Coast and Central province who have endured issues of land dispossession should vote yes, because the proposed constitution shall audit land title deeds and address historical injustices. Those from the Western region of Kenya who have been complaining of being marginalized by the central government should be happy that devolution shall bring power and resources right to your doorstep. Grassroots Kenyans who remain victims of hunger, lack of clean water, inaccessible healthcare, bad housing, employer abuse, unfair remunerations, arbitrary arrests and extortion by police should fill the yes ballot. The amendment clause in this proposed constitution does not allow a few greedy legislators conspiring in bouts of appetite to change it in one afternoon.
Strictly speaking, this new constitution captures at least each Kenyan’s individual dreams and aspirations and at most a nation’s vision for the years to come. To vote Yes! is to vote for a better, secure future that all Kenyans have something for which to "jivunia kuwa mkenya!"
George Nyongesa
National Coordinator, Bunge la Mwananchi
www.bungelamwananchi.org
+254 720 451 235
