KIBAKI AND RAILA IN BONDO

President Mwai Kibaki has expressed optimism that Kenyans will make informed judgement and give the country a new constitution that will serve them for posterity.

Noting that the search for a new constitution has taken many years, President Kibaki said Kenyans should not allow the opportunity to usher in a new constitutional dispensation pass them.

"I am sure we will succeed in getting a new constitution this time. Future generations will judge us harshly if we fail to pass the proposed new constitution," President Kibaki said.

President Kibaki was speaking Saturday at the burial service of the late Dr. William Odongo Omamo.

The late Dr. Omamo was laid to rest at his Nyamarimba farm in South West Sakwa, Bondo District.

Paying tribute to the late Dr. Omamo, President Kibaki described him as a development-conscious leader who served wananchi diligently in many parts of the country.

The Head of State pointed out that the late Omamo was particularly instrumental in promoting modern farming techniques in the country.

"He helped to impart modern farming skills and improved productivity in many parts of the country," President Kibaki said.

President Kibaki, therefore, called on the youth to emulate Dr. Omamo so as to participate effectively in their nation building duties.

Speaking during the occasion, Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged Kenyans to vote for the new constitution, saying it will unite the country and accelerate development.

"We want Kenyans to live peacefully and the new constitution will ensure we achieve that objective," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this is the time for Kenya to get a new constitution and personal interests should not be placed before the country's national good.

Saying the proposed new constitution can be amended after the referendum if Kenyans so wished, Hon. Odinga said wananchi should not agree to be divided on such an important issue as the new constitution.

In his tribute to the late Dr. Omamo, the Prime Minister described him as a great leader who possessed excellent oratory skills.

The funeral service was presided over by Right Rev. Dr. Francis Abiero, the ACK Maseno South Diocese Bishop.

In his sermon, Bishop Abiero said change is inevitable and Kenyans should embrace the chance to get a new constitution.

Other speakers included ministers James Orengo, Dr. Sally Kosgei and Paul Otuoma among others.

Later, President Kibaki and the Prime Minister addressed wananchi and urged them to vote for the proposed new constitution when they made stopovers at Bondo trading centre, Akala and Kisian junction.