July 27, 2010 By Robert Amsterdam

Evans Monari: Voting Yes for Kenya’s Constitution

monari_072710.jpgDuring my last trip to Kenya on the Georges Tadonki trial, I had the opportunity to develop an association with the lawyer Evans Monari of Daly & Figgis Advocates (photo – center), who is one of the best known business and human rights lawyers in East Africa.  Below is an article Evans has contributed for the blog, and it is a great pleasure and honor to feature these perspectives from such a unique and valuable voice from this region.

TEN REASONS WHY KENYA SHOULD VOTE “YES”

By Evans Monari

All indications point to the proposed constitution being approved by majority of the voters. And here are just ten reasons, why we in Kenya should approve the document and maybe convince the persons still opposing the document.

The national referendum for the proposed constitution is scheduled to be held on August 4, 2010. On that day, Kenyans will vote “yes” or “no” to the question “do you approve the proposed constitution?” it is provided by the Constitution of Kenya Review Act of 2008 that if more than 50% nationally and at least 25% in 5 of the 8 provinces vote “yes” the proposed constitution will be promulgated into law. There is general consensus that the country needs a new constitution, but the question is what kind of constitution does the country require to enable it grow from its current status to new realms of development in line with the developed world?