Nairobi — A minister has proposed that clauses of the Draft Constitution that target individuals should be re-drafted to address issues instead.

Agriculture minister William Ruto cited the Judiciary and the provincial administration. He said the Judiciary should be given a face lift without necessarily sacking judges.

He said individuals who find it difficult to cope with reforms in their institutions would be forced out by circumstances.

"Let's not miss the point. Those who can't fit in the reformed system will find their exit because the rules and guidelines will be watertight," said the minister.

Mr Ruto was speaking during a workers' rally organised by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) in his Eldoret North Constituency. He was accompanied by Emgwen MP Elijah Lagat and his Keiyo South counterpart Jackson Kiptanui.

The minister proposed that the constitution should allow for a popularly elected president with trimmed powers.

"Kenyans want a president who exercises authority coupled with responsibility. A president who can be put to account for his promises, unlike the current case where the president is inaccessible."

Lands assistant minister Bifwoli Wakoli opposed the Harmonised Draft, saying the document was not suitable for Kenya.

He asked the Committee of Experts to write two drafts for a presidential and a parliamentary system of government and allow Kenyans to choose the system they want.

Speaking at the Bungoma South District headquarters, the legislator claimed that the Draft Constitution gave too much power to the prime minister."How can I appoint someone who will exercise more powers than me?" he asked.

His sentiments were echoed by Bishop Beneah Salala Okumu of the Mumias Anglican Diocese, who said Kenyans should chose either a parliamentary of presidential system at referendum.

Presenting a memorandum prepared by the diocesan synod, Rev Okumu said the president should appoint the prime minister, but it should be approved by Parliament.

The synod proposed that the prime minister should not enjoy executive powers while Cabinet ministers and their deputies should be appointed from outside Parliament.

Former MP Jimmy Angwenyi supported a proposal to remove the recall clause of legislators from the Draft.

The former Kitutu Chache MP said the clause was "cruel" and could restrain Parliament's performance because of many by-elections.

Elsewhere, the Muslim community in Kisumu supported the parliamentary system.

Mr Aslam Khan, the chairman of the Kisumu Muslim Leaders Forum, said the presidential system had failed since independence while the current hybrid system was facing difficulties.

"The proposed system in the Harmonised Draft Constitution appears tailored more to serve political expediencies than to give our nation a fresh start," he said.