Section of church leaders express support for Ruto’s constitutional change
Church leaders express support for Ruto’s constitutional change to create the office of Official Opposition
Church leaders express support for Ruto’s constitutional change to create the office of Official Opposition.
Religious leaders under the umbrella of the Dialogue Reference Group have endorsed the constitutional changes put forth by President William Ruto, which, if adopted, would result in the establishment of the office of the Official Opposition.
Speaking at the Third National Dialogue Conference’s closing ceremony at Ufungamano House in Limuru, clerics emphasized the value of a robust opposition in holding the government accountable.
“We have taken note of the ongoing debate in the country and reiterate our position that the country requires dignified opposition as a measure of promoting accountability. ” Read a statement by the leaders.
However, the heads of the churches favor public consultation before enacting constitutional changes.
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They have urged President Ruto to establish a task force to supervise the amending process and gather public opinion, warning that doing so risks the suggestions meeting the same demise as the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which was put on hold by the Supreme Court.
“We recommend the president constitute a multisectoral task force to undertake an objective review of the implementation of the constitution. The principle of a people-driven constitution review process must be maintained at all times. ” They added.
The leaders have expressed worry over the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution’s (ODPP) recent increase in the number of high-profile cases it has dropped, claiming it has weakened public confidence in the office.
“The public confession by the D.P.P that he was influenced by the previous regime to frame people through court cases means the office has lost independence and can no longer be trusted to not be influenced by the current regime to similarly frame other people,” they said.
They want DPP Nordin Haji to reflect and act forcefully to win back the public’s trust in him and his position.
The clerics want the decision regarding the importing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) postponed until appropriate public input is obtained.
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