Kenya: Avoid Sideshows And Give Us a Constitution

18 July 2011

editorial

Nairobi — Members of Parliament resume sittings on Tuesday morning after a month-long recession during which the majority had time to grumble about tax and to realign themselves into camps ahead of next year’s elections.

The calendar is, as usual these days, pretty tight, for the MPs have a new Constitution to deliver, and they are way behind schedule.

It is not fair to blame them this time round. In the past, it was rare that they sat up late to legislate on any motion; this year, it has become common.

Therefore, even if the MPs have contributed their share of sideshows, someone else should be ready to take the responsibility, and it could only be a few anti-reform elements in the Executive.

However, there would be no point in apportioning blame right now.

What is necessary is to remind the legislators that they have at least 11 crucial Bills to discuss in the next seven weeks, approve a new Attorney-General, and endorse the Elections Bill, which will set up 80 new constituencies.

It is not even clear whether the elections will be held in August or early in 2013.

This is a constitutional issue they might have to settle if legal experts do not agree.

So, our legislators have their plate full, and it is a shame that some may use the disagreement over whether to pay tax or not as a chance to filibuster or even derail the entire constitutional process.

In the past, they have armtwisted the government over the same issue and got away with it.

It would be pleasant if the taxation issue was settled immediately so that the MPs can concentrate on legislation.

A possible solution would be to allow them to pay the tax arrears in instalments.

This may, perhaps, mollify those bracing themselves for a major, destructive fight.

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