Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka’s silver jubilee celebration on Saturday turned into a forum to launch the “Yes” campaign for the proposed constitution ahead of the referendum.
The forum was also used to endorse Mr Musyoka to run for president in 2012.
Leaders who spoke at the function were unanimous that the country needed to pass the draft constitution at the referendum and amend the contentious issues soon thereafter. They called on all eligible Kenyans to register as voters to take part in the referendum.
President Kibaki said the draft was amendable, contrary to contentions by some leaders. The President said amendments could be made soon after the vote.
“The clauses that are raising difficulties can be amended later,” the President told the crowd gathered at the Musila Gardens in Mwingi to commemorate Mr Musyoka’s 25 years as the Mwingi North Member of Parliament.
“Nobody will stand in the way of amendments,” the President said, assuring church leaders and a section of MPs who announced they would oppose the draft constitution if certain clauses they deem contentious are not amended.
Mr Musyoka and the other speakers at the event called on those opposed to the draft to climb down from their positions and support it as it addresses the aspirations of most Kenyans.
“There are small outstanding issues but we shall deal with them,” the VP said. “If you do not like some clauses, there is a chance to amend them.”
Referendum date
Mr Musyoka asked Parliament to consider revising the referendum date – expected in July – if the Interim Independent Electoral Commission calls for an extension.
He said this would require amending the “mother Act” – the Constitution of Kenya Review Act – implying that MPs could use this window to introduce other amendments to the Act.
Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo led the crowd in shouting “Katiba Sasa!” as he declared his support for the draft.
“The time is now,” he told the people, reiterating his pledge upon appointment as Justice minister in May 2009 that the country would get a new constitution within a year.
Deputy prime minister Uhuru Kenyatta said it was time to close the chapter on constitution making and focus on more pressing issues of development.
“We are aware the church has problems with certain areas of the draft constitution, but it is important that we talk so that we avoid the temptation of going to the referendum divided,” he said.
Similar calls were made by Cabinet ministers Samuel Poghisio, Kiraitu Murungi, assistant minister David Musila, and MPs Water Nyambati, Dick Wathika, Shakila Abdalla and Mwangi Kiunjuri.
On the succession debate, the leaders endorsed Mr Musyoka as the best person to lead the country in the post-Kibaki era.
“President Kibaki is soon vacating the office but we have a ngumbau (hero) who is ready and able to take over,” Mr Wathika said.
But when he stood to speak, the VP asked Kenyans to postpone debate on the 2012 elections and concentrate on more pressing issues.
President Kibaki, however, fell short of endorsing his principal assistant whom he said was doing a good job.
“Let him continue with the good work and God will bless him,” the President said.
Longest serving MP
Mr Musyoka was first elected to Parliament in 1985 then as MP for Kitui North. He is the third longest serving MP.
The celebrations on Saturday were attended by high ranking foreign and local dignitaries, including House Speaker Kenneth Marende.
There were seven Cabinet ministers, several assistant ministers, MPs, and at least eight representatives of foreign missions.
Mr Musyoka’s supporters endured the blazing sun to celebrate their favourite son’s achievements. Many had arrived as early as 8 a.m. and sat patiently through the putrid heat till the end of the ceremony.
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