Kenya approves new draft constitution

Kenya 's parliament has approved a new draft constitution introducing key changes to the country's basic law, which will be submitted to a referendum later this year.

Reuters

The introduction of a new constitution was one of the reforms called for under a power-sharing deal between President Mwai Kibaki and former opposition leader Raila Odinga following the post-election violence two years ago.

MPs proposed over 100 amendments to the 262-clause draft law but none received the 65 per cent of votes needed to pass.

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Mutula Kilonzo, Kenyan Justice Minister

Christine Pizziol-Grière

A key change is a provision that prevents MPs from simultaeously serving in government. And presidential appointments would be submitted to parliament vetting.

 The new text proposes the creation of a Senate and of a Supreme Court. It gives the new bicameral National Assembly power to impeach the President.

Mutula Kilonzo, Kenya's Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs told RFI the new draft constitution introduces very far-reaching judicial reforms.

"We have introduced guidelines, principles of governance that will change this country beyond recognition," he said.

Regarding the process of drawing up a new constitution, Kilonzo added, "The most contentious issues are issues touching on ethnicity, tribalism as well as religion...and three-tier government instead of two-tier government...I expect big challenges ahead, but I am hoping for the best."