'NO' IN WESTERN

The ‘No’ side of the Proposed Constitution took their campaigns to Bungoma where they said Western Province stood to lose the most if the document is passed.

Led by Cabinet minister William Ruto, the leaders said the province would get only four counties yet it has a population of more than five million people.

"Some regions will get the same number of counties yet they have half a million people. This means Western should be more ‘No’ than Rift Valley," Mr Ruto said.

Speaking at Posta Grounds, the Higher Education minister said Kakamega County would comprise nine constituencies with a population of two million.

"Some counties like Lamu and Laikipia have much more less populations compared to Kakamega," he added.

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitution Review adopted the number of counties at their retreat in Naivasha.

Others in the rally were Communications Minister Samuel Poghisio and MPs Cyrus Jirongo, Wilfred Machage, Linah Kilimo, Joshua Kuttuny, David Koech, Elijah Lagat, Peris Simam and Kiema Kilonzo.

Ruto said Kenyans should be given a constitution that would bring an end to unfair distribution of resources.

Mr Poghisio said the ‘Yes’ team should tell Kenyans why they want people to pass the proposed laws.

"Ask us and we will tell you why you should vote ‘No’. That is the difference between us and them," he added.

The minister further said Kenyans should not vote ‘Yes’ because they have been asked to do so by their leaders. "Look at the document and decide for your self," he added.

Neutral president

Mr Kilonzo said President Kibaki should stay neutral because he is a leader for both sides.

"Kibaki is the President for all Kenyans — those who support ‘No’ and those on the ‘Yes’ side. He should leave us with the Prime Minister to battle it out," he added.

Kilimo said the Committee of Experts should stop accusing the ‘No’ team of propagating lies. "What we are telling Kenyans is what is in the document," she added.