Daily Nation “Khadi court focus of groups’ opposition to new Kenya law”
Kevin J. Kelly reviews the American “culture wars” angle. My take: I hope everyone who cares enough to get deeply involved in the campaign on the Kenyan constitution cares enough to say, live in Kenya for awhile. Kenya’s need for a new constitution has been clear enough that both sides made it a major campaign pledge and constitutional reform was a key commitment of the mediation settlement forming the Government of National Unity. It would seem to be a matter of bad timing that the referedum has coincided with heighted tension on certain “contentious issues” from outside on a globalized basis–as well as with the shift of focus by key politicians to their tactics for the 2012 campaign.
Daily Nation “Crowd heckles Rutp at ‘No’ rally”
Standard “Church leaders declare support for proposed law”
“We want Kenyans to know that churches in Nyeri are in support of the draft constitution, and the clergy who are traversing the country campaigning for the ‘Reds’ are not genuine,” said Githinji.
Stand firm
In a statement read by Pastor Joshua Wambugu of the AIPCA church, the leaders admitted the draft had flaws, but noted that only a few sections were contentious.
“We cannot therefore reject the whole document just because of the Kadhi courts, the abortion clause and the section on lands,” he said.
“Kenyans should stand firm and say yes to this law without fear. Most political leaders, among them President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka have supported the draft. This is an indication that Kenya can see a new dawn on August 4,” said Wachira Kimotho from the PCEA.
Kieni MP Nemesyus Warugongo, who convened the meeting, warned Christians against being swayed by their church leaders.
“Christians should decide for themselves, without letting their leaders dictate to them how to vote,” said Warugongo.
Standard “Referendum race hots up as Commission warns hecklers”
Standard “Claims by ‘No’ camp against U.S. Ambassador are distortions of the truth”