Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Fides Service)- “Following a statement issued by the Catholic Bishops in March we wanted to help people understand the contents of the final draft of the new Constitution” Jesuit Father Ludwig Van Heucke told Fides. Father Van Heucke is Secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission of Religious Superiors in Kenya and a director of a Catholic broadcaster in Nairobi, Radio Waumini, which has launched a radio programme to help people understand the constitutional discussion taking place in Kenya.
The programme in Swahili is called “Katiba Kama Ilivyo” (“About the Constitution”). On March 23, the Catholic Bishops of Kenya issued a statement expressing appreciation for efforts to review the Constitution but also concern with regard certain points in the draft Constitution approved by Parliament which will now be put to the people with a referendum.
With this programme Radio Waumini intends to help listeners understand the constitution they will be called to approve. Special attention will be given to four points included in the final draft of the Constitution: The entrenchment of the Kadhis courts in the Constitution, which contradicts the separation of state and religion also enshrined in the same draft; The structure of the Executive; The Devolution of Power; The Transitional Mechanism. The new draft Constitution foresees a President with functions of representation, a prime minister head of the executive, and a parliament with power to revoke the mandate of the premier. This proposal gave rise to lively debate in the country (see Fides 17 March 2004).
Another point of discussion is the entrenchment of the Kadhis (Islamic) courts in the Constitution with power to judge questions of marriage, divorce and heritage concerning Muslim citizens. Christians object that the state must be secular and there should be no separate courts for certain citizens (see Fides 30 April 2004).
To make the programme easier to follow listen can phone to speak with experts present in the studios; and the programme will include intervals of music. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/6/2004 righe 30 parole 343)
