WHAT ROLE CAN THE KENYANS IN DIASPORA PLAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW CONSTITUTION..?

Kenyans in the Diaspora want to be included in the implementation of the new Constitution. They are also seeking a key role in the appointment of the next Chief Justice under the new dispensation. Many said they did not support deals by politicians to share the slots among themselves, as this would compromise the implementation process. Speaking yesterday in Juba, Sudan, more than 200 Kenyans under the New Vision Kenya, a Kenyans in the Diaspora movement, asked politicians to give professional bodies and the youth a chance. “Forwarding names is not the way to go. There should be a proper framework set up to ensure ultimate names are not subjective,” said Mr Shem Ochwodho, a convener of the movement. Ochwodho, former Rangwe MP and currently an advisor to South Sudanese Government, said a credible broad-based selection team that would include the clergy, should be put in place to get views, including those of the youth and the Diaspora. Active involvement He said sending names would give room for emotions to prevail in the process, hampering the quest to get a competent person for the all important office. Dr Joseph Kiplagat, the consulate General, challenged Kenyans in the Diaspora to be actively involved in the process as well. “We are an estimated three million people. Our views cannot be ignored,” he told Kenyans who had gathered in Juba to deliberate on the way forward on the implementation process. Dr Ekurut Aukot, former Committee of Experts director said the new Constitution was a negotiated document that allows everyone to bring their views to the table.