DRAFT ISSUES

Raila Odinga says he has not differed with President Kibaki on contentious issues in the Harmonised Draft Constitution.

He said there was no deadlock between teams he and the President picked to iron out contentious issues, especially the Executive.

"We must not take a hard stand on the constitution. We should cede grounds and agree on contentious matters before the referendum," he said.

The PM observed that the constitution review process was in its final stages and will be enacted to end the long struggle.

"There are only few differences which will be solved amicably and the process will move forward," he added.

He said the new constitution will not be for Raila or Kibaki and urged Kenyans to stop publishing alarming reports that would jeopardise the exercise.

The PM was speaking at the graveside of Mama Magdlina Aboge Alila in Bandani, Kisumu. He paid tribute to the former freedom fighter who was buried two weeks ago. Kisumu Town West MP Olago Aluoch and his Kisumu Town East counterpart Shakeel Shabir accompanied the PM.

Raila urged politicians to stop taking hard-line positions in the review process.

"We are closely monitoring the process and we are optimistic that Kenyans will get a constitution they have been yearning for, more than 20 years later," he said.

The PM noted that Kibaki and him decided to take a back seat in the review process so that their views do not affect the exercise.

"We want to give the Committee of Experts ample time to do its work and deliver a document that will be accepted by all," the Prime Minister said.