READY FOR THE LION'S DEN

Prime Minister Raila Odinga Sunday declared that he and President Kibaki were prepared to make any sacrifices to ensure the proposed constitution was passed during the August 4 referendum.

In a veiled statement, Mr Odinga said the two principals were willing to go to any lengths to ensure that the draft law was enacted as it would provide a 'solid foundation’ for the country’s development.

Speaking after attending a church service in Kiambu, the PM said; “ If protecting the a pregnant mothers right to life is a crime in the law, then (President) Kibaki and I are prepared to be thrown into the lions den at the Nairobi National Park to be devoured.”

He sentiments were in reference to the biblical story of Daniel who declined to denounce his faith on God even after he was thrown into a den of marauding lions.

A number of church and political leaders have voiced their concerns that the draft law seeks to entrench the Kadhis courts and that it also seeks to legalise abortion.

However on Sunday, Mr Odinga dispelled the rumours.

“It is clearly indicated that life begins at conception and that abortion is not permitted unless when the life of the mother is in danger. That is the truth,” Mr Odinga told the Ridgeways Baptist Church congregation.

He went on: “ Daniel stood firm by the truth. Because of this he was condemned to death and was thrown into a den of lions. He however continued to pray and the lions did not devour him.”

He went on; “ If this (standing by the truth) will amount to taking Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki to the lion’s den then we are prepared for it.”

Mr Odinga said Kenyans were now on the brink of getting a new constitution which had eluded the country for more than two decades.

“We are now on the brink of River Jordan and want to cross over to Canaan,” he said.

He asked religious leaders to pray for the country during these challenging times that Kenyans were trying to 'restructure the architecture of the country.”

Our country needs a lot of prayers. Kenyans are going through some very difficult times because it is like trying to be born again.”

“The constitution we have today was not made in Kenya. It was negotiated with the outgoing colonial master. Kenyans were represented by a few people...less than 20 delegates in Lancaster. It is time Kenyans are now allowed to participate in the process.”