Kenyans place high hopes on reformed constitution

NAIVASHA, Kenya – It may be wishful thinking, but many Kenyans believe a new constitution will cure poverty, slash prices on goods, create jobs, punish corrupt politicians, recover land lost decades ago, bring freedom, investment, tribal peace, higher salaries for common people, lower salaries for politicians – and, according to at least one voter, even make it rain.

Kenyans tired of decades of corrupt governance voted Wednesday on a proposed new constitution that generated a load of expectations.

Although it might not fix everything that people hope, analysts and politicians who supported the document, which was expected to win voter approval, said it could change Kenya forever. It could end decades of corruption, poor governance and tribalism in politics and public service, as well as curb the sweeping presidential powers that many see as the country’s biggest problem.

Many Kenyans began lining up early to vote, with reports indicating a high turnout devoid of tribal strife. Security was tight, with 18,000 extra police officers deployed to keep order, mainly in the volatile Rift Valley, which has repeatedly been torn by ethnic violence.

The new constitution would create a provision for impeaching the president. Poorly performing members of parliament also would face removal. The draft also creates self-governing counties and a Senate, and cuts the number of government ministers to a maximum of 22, compared with more than 40 at present.

Legislators will have to resign their seats to serve in the Cabinet, theoretically paving the way for the appointment of professionals and technocrats, rather than political cronies of the president.

The draft originated with a power-sharing deal in 2008 after political rivals President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga refused to accept defeat in 2007 elections, sparking tribal violence that killed about 1,500 people. Both are backing the draft, but it’s opposed by the Kalenjin tribal elite, including former President Daniel Arap Moi, who ruled Kenya for 24 years, and Higher Education Minister William Ruto.

The campaign against the new constitution stoked fear that people would lose their land, among other matters. Christian churches also opposed the draft because of a clause allowing abortion on medical grounds. Some opponents were against the inclusion of Islamic cadi courts, which govern family issues such as inheritance and marital matters for Muslims.

Columnist Barrack Muluka, a supporter of the draft, said it would reform the country and become a model for other African states.

“A lot will depend on people themselves: They must be willing to continue fighting,” Muluka said.

“It’s one thing to have a constitution that’s a written document. It’s quite another to have it followed.”