Clerics' Opinion On Draft Law Is Not Church's Common Position

BY SHADRACK MBAKA

Kenyans have for the past two decades anticipated a new Constitution. It is therefore unfortunate that when the proposed Constitution is within reach, the clerics would come out vehemently to discredit the draft.

As much as I partly agree that religious institutions should be treated in a neutral manner, Kenyans should understand that every religion has its own doctrines and this is the fundamental reason religions differ. It is also why I tend to disagree with those claiming that critics of the clerics are prejudiced, speculative and one-dimensional analysts. The abortion and Kadhi's clauses are critical to the entire human race, not the church alone. Therefore, I do not see why the clergy should reject the entire draft; these are issues that can be amended and reconstituted with time.

I urge all Kenyans to focus on the need of a promising constitution rather than reject the proposed constitution and be ruled under the current constitution, which still houses the kadhi's courts resulting in a lose-lose situation. It is important that politicians and self-proclaimed commentators stop dividing and confusing Kenyans on constitutional matters.