The youth are set to stage a protest in a bid to bar cabinet from watering down the Leadership and Integrity Bill.
The National Youth Sector Alliance (NYSA) has called for an action from the Kenyan Public to implore upon Parliament to reject the mutilated Leadership and integrity bill 2012.
In a statement, NYSA says Cabinet has made amendments for selfish interests. The youth urge parliament to keep the initial provisions in the bill.
According to NYSA, Parliament should reinstate provisions proposed by the Commission for the Implementation of the constitution (CIC), Ministry of Justice, Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs (MOJCA) and the Attorney General (AG) in their original form.
"If passed in its current form the Bill will negate the will of the people of Kenya who passed the constitution with an overwhelming majority during the referendum," said Emmanuel Dennis NYSA's CEO.
The youth alliance posits that Cabinet should reinstate the clauses as espoused in Chapter 6 of the Constitution.
Dennis went on to add that "We call upon members of the Public to join the youth at Uhuru Park's Freedom Corner coming Friday for a Public Procession and Stunt at Parliament Buildings."
He added that they youth demand for Clean, Integral and Value based Leaders in the next general election.
Dennis alleged that if Cabinet is allowed to washdown the Constitution by introducing amendments, this will be a recipe for endless impunity in the republic of Kenya.
"We refuse in the strongest terms the amendments by Cabinet and call on Kenyans to remain vigilant and hold such selfish leaders to account for the creed they vowed to protect," stated Dennis.
Chapter 6 of the Constitution, Article 80 on the Leadership and Integrity, provide s that: “Parliament shall enact legislation establishing procedures and mechanisms for the effective administration. Prescribing the penalties, in addition to the penalties referred to in Article 75 that may be imposed for a contravention of this Chapter.”
The youths stand is that, the original bill watertight bill. Further NYSA insists that the amendment bill is ineffective to implement the leadership and integrity Article.
Some of the provisions in the original draft include.
- Declaration of income, assets, and liabilities for individuals seeking to become State officer.
- Protection of the Independence of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
- Safeguarding whistleblowers.
- Disciplinary measures for the State officers who breach the provisions of Chapter 6.
The bill was drafted and presented to Cabinet for approval which was later handed over to Parliament for legislation
CIC is on record terming the Bill in its current form as 'ineffective' in implementing Chapter Six of the Constitution, and containing clauses that are unconstitutional.
Additionally NYSA is set to launch an online campaign to compel members of Parliament to uphold chapter 6 and protect the Constitution from being watered down by vested interests of the members of the Cabinet.
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