AFRICA/KENYA - Reform of the Constitution: encounter between representatives of Christian communities and government

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – Representatives of the government and Christian churches of Kenya are meeting today, April 26, to reach agreement on the revised draft of the Constitution, which has raised great concern on the part of Christians.
There are two points which are contested by the Christian communities: an amendment stating that life begins at birth and not at conception (thus opening the way for the legalization of abortion) and recognition of the Muslim civil courts, the “Kadhi Courts.” Under the Constitution, the "Kadhi Courts" have jurisdiction over what concerns Muslim family law.
Christians, however, state that the "Kadhi Courts" violate the rights of persons belonging to religious faiths other than Islam.
Participating in the meeting was Bishop Philip Sulumeti of Kakamega and Bishop Anthony Muheria of Kitui, as well as representatives of other major Christian Churches in the country.
On April 8, President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga had met with representatives of Christian Churches led by Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi, and the Secretary General of the National Council of Churches of Kenya, Peter Karanja, however without overcoming differences of views between the two parties.
Prior to today's meeting, representatives of the Churches insisted that their position has not changed: the draft of the Constitution should be amended to delete the parts that raise the concerns of Christian communities.
The new Constitution will have to be approved by a referendum. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 04/26/2010)