Civil society presses for Bi*l of Rights as calls for change intensify
Civil society groups in Mombasa yesterday urged the political class to steer clear of the Bill of Rights in their quest for constitutional change which is slowly gaining momentum.
Led by HAKI Africa and Pwani Social Justice Centre, the rights lobbyists observed that the chapter in question is the heart and soul of the Constitution and the “best gift the Constitution gave Kenyans.”
“This is the only clause in the Constitution that has given us the strength to fight for our rights as common wanananchi and if they want to make any changes in the Constitution, then we are demanding that they leave the Bill of Rights as it is” said HAKI Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid.
Khalid further said that the Constitution in place has no bad impact on the people of Kenya but the only problem is who should implement it.
On his Part, Haki Yetu Director Gabriel Dolan said there is no need to change the Constitution as this will be of no benefit to Kenyans.
“There is nothing wrong with the Constitution, anyone who wants to change it, should only focus on reducing the number of legislators being paid,” said Dolan.
Dolan said that Kenyans should know that there is a Bill of Right in the Constitution and it is the high time they demandrd that those rights be implemented.
“We have rights as Kenyans and it is a must that we stand and fight for them,” he added.
Zedekiah Adika, chairman CSO reference groups said that there has been some gains through devolution and public interest litigation but any success has been due to the hard work and commitment of the public.
“So, 10 years on, it is time to remember and recommit ourselves to demand full implementation of the Constitution.
We cannot afford another decade of failure to reform and to create a more just and fair society,” said Adika.
He said that the Constitution was hailed as one of the most progressive in the word and a people driven process that had lasted three decades.
“The country smelt freedom for the first time and rejoiced in the promise of a more just equitable and inclusive society,” he said.
