Friday, June 18, 2010

Victor Munyaka Joins the 'Yes' Team

President Kibaki has said the proposed constitution is the best and the time for Kenyans to have a new law is now.

Yes lead drops but Kenyans still keen on proposed law
He reminded Kenyans that he had been at the forefront of the constitutional making process since joining politics was convinced that the current set of laws was best for the country.

“We have amended the current constitution several times. It’s now time we had a new one. But even as we press on with this, some of you think that the current draft was just picked from the roadside,” said President Kibaki in an apparent reference to those opposed to it.

“Even though we know that it is not perfect, it is still good for this country. It will accelerate development and expand education opportunities for all the way it did to such countries like China and Singapore.”

He was speaking Kyumbi trading centre, where the Yes team made a stopover on its way to a rally in Machakos Town, Eastern province Friday.

Olive branch

And with only 45 days remaining before the August 4 referendum, the leaders, who included Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka urged Kenyans to vote for the proposed constitution as it would unveil the "new face of Kenya".

Even as they drummed up support for the document, they extended an olive branch to those opposed to the document to join them and pass the new law for the sake of the country.

“Let us talk to those opposed to this draft…I am sure that at the end, we shall all be together as one nation,” said President Kibaki at the centre – just a few metres from where his entourage had an accident as he campaigned for the Presidency prior to the 2002 general elections.

“It is a high time we be united for Kenyans to move forward.”

Accompanying the President were Cabinet ministers: Anyang Nyong’o, George Saitoti, Charity Ngilu, Mutula Kilonzo, Mohammed Kuti, Otieno Kajwang’, Franklin Bett and MPs Wavinya Ndeti and Johnstone Muthama.

Curiously, Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, who is in the No camp, was present.

The leaders opened the Maruba Dam that cost the government Sh380 million to rehabilitate.

Thing of the past

During various stopovers at Mlolongo, Athi River and Kyumbi trading Centre, the leaders exuded confidence that they will carry the day at the referendum.

Mr Odinga told residents that once the proposed constitution was passed, corruption and the culture of impunity will be a thing of the past.

At Kyumbi, the PM recounted how President Kibaki’s accident during campaigns for the 2002 general election turned into "a blessing for Kenyans".

“Our captain was injured just a few metres from here during the 2002 campaigns but despite this, it did not dampen our spirits. The game had to go on and you all know that we prevailed,” said Mr Odinga.

“That is why we decided to construct a dual carriage road all the way from Mombasa to here. I can assure you that this region and the country as well will witness more development projects once the draft law is passed. More factories will dot this area,” he said.

He said the yet-to-be constructed economic zones will create more employment opportunities for millions.

He clarified that abortion is not permitted under the proposed constitution as had been alleged by those opposed to the document.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, on his part, said the time for change was now and that Kenyans should not be left behind.

“We are therefore asking you to vote for the draft law and you will see the face of Kenya change,” he said.

“Let us not let down our future generations. I can assure you, this document will bring about a better life for you. It is time to build the nation,” said the VP at Mlolongo.

He said the ‘Yes’ side was assured of victory especially after the alliance of both the ‘orange and banana’ sides.

“I can assure Kenyans that this document is good for them. They should indeed not be threatened by it,” he said.

Mrs Ngilu said those opposed to the new law were insincere and were going contrary to the wishes of Kenyans.

In the run up to the 2005 referendum, Mr Odinga led the ‘Orange’ side that opposed what was dubbed the ‘Wako draft’ while President Kibaki led the ‘Banana’ side that was championing for the document.

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