NYANZA CHURCHES SAY YES

Church leaders from Nyanza province have distanced themselves from calls by the National Council of Churches of Kenya-NCCK, to reject the proposed Constitution.

Nyanza council of churches said passing of the draft without amendments was a move in the right direction, as the constitution, if put in place, could be amended later.

Council Chairman Washington Ngede lauded MPs for casting personal and party interests aside. He noted that the new Constitution would address many issues that afflict Kenyans on a day to day basis.

Meanwhile, assistant minister for Livestock Development, Aden Bare Dualle, has called for religious tolerance and respect for all religions in the country.

He said it was hypocritical for some church leaders to threaten to mobilize their followers to vote against the proposed new constitution at the referendum.

Speaking at a funds drive in Garissa, Dualle said those opposed to the Kadhi's court should stop misleading Kenyans and allow for the continued peaceful co-existence of Muslims and Christians for the country's prosperity.

The assistant minister who is also the Dujis Member of Parliament, urged all Kenyans to vote for the draft, saying the search for a new constitution had come a long way.

Speaking at the same function, Garissa mayor, Mohamed Gabow, also supported the proposed constitution, saying it was the best for the country as it would give Kenyans more say in the way the country is governed.

Elsewhere, Kenyans have been urged to vote for the draft Constitution that was passed in Parliament last week come the time of the referendum.

Centre for Rights and Education Awareness (CREAW) Executive Secretary Kawive Wambua says registering as a voter and participating in the referendum is the only way to ensure a new constitution is put in place.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi, Wambua urged the Attorney General not to tamper with the proposed draft while preparing a final daft for the referendum.

Parliament on Thursday passed the draft Constitution by the Committee of Experts in a session which was attended by both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Meanwhile, Muslim leaders will this week meet in Nairobi to discuss the draft constitution and have a common stand on the document.

The Secretary of the Council of Imams and Preachers, Sheikh Mohammed Dor said Muslim leaders are expected to discuss issues they deem to be contentious and decide whether to support or reject the draft constitution.

Speaking in Kisauni, Dor however said the country had made great strides and achieving a new constitutional dispensation was inevitable.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Secretary General, Sheikh Sherriff Omar called on Kenyans to support the draft as there was room for amendments.

There have been reactions from various groups over the inclusion of the Kadhis court into the constitution.