Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Imanyara bill commences

Debate on the Constitution of Kenya [Amendment] Bill 2009 seeking to establish a special tribunal to try post election violence suspects commenced in parliament Wednesday morning.

The bill sponsor Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara while moving the motion told the house that it was important to end the culture of impunity and as well deliver justice to the victims but it only took the motion 55 minutes before it was interrupted by a quorum hitch.

A paltry 19 Mps were present at that time.

Seconding the motion, Garsen MP Danson Mungatana said the bill contains crucial components that ensure the law applies to everyone equally.

He clarified that the bill was not in any way targeting individuals or communities.

In his contribution, roads assistant minister Wilfred Machage said parliament rejected the bill sponsored by government because it was designed to protect perpetrators of post poll chaos.

The bill has sent shivers in the cabinet as it proposes that top government officials resign from their positions once mentioned as suspects, removal of the president's immunity to prosecution and reduction of the powers of the attorney General and the Chief Justice among others.

Imanyara appealed to MPs to support the bill for the country to move forward.

The fate of the bill will be determined next Wednesday when it comes again for debate.

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