'YES' AT THE COAST

MOMBASA, Kenya, Jun 5 - President Mwai Kibaki on Saturday led the Grand Coalition Government in officially launching the “Yes” Support Forum in Coast Province.

The President, who was accompanied by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and 58 Members of Parliament from across the country including Ministers and Assistant Ministers, noted that majority of Kenyans appreciated the benefits of the Proposed Constitution and will vote for it during the referendum.

President Kibaki, however, expressed the need for sufficient civic education to be provided to those still not sure of the benefits of the Proposed Constitution so that the country is united in passing the new law.

“Let’s unite and speak with one voice so that, as Kenyans, we approve and vote for the Proposed Constitution that is set to improve the welfare of wananchi,” President Kibaki said.

The Head of State was speaking at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa at the colourful launch of the support initiative for the Proposed Constitution in the Coast region.

Saying the search for a new constitution has consumed a lot of resources in terms of time and funds, President Kibaki said Kenyans were now decided and will pass the Proposed Constitution so that they can devote their time and energy in other areas of national development.

Said the Head of State: “I am happy that we are all united in the spirit of genuine reforms and we should embrace this Proposed Constitution since it signals a fresh beginning for our country.”

Speaking during the occasion, Prime Minister Odinga reassured the Provincial Administration that the Proposed Constitution will not make them lose their jobs.
The Prime Minister said the new constitution would also ensure the rights of Kenyans are safeguarded at all times.

He, therefore, appealed to Kenyans to tolerate those holding opposing view, saying the Proposed Constitution should not be used to plant a seed of hatred among wananchi.

On his part, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said the new constitution will usher in the new change Kenyans have waited for many years, adding that it will attract investors and create the much needed employment for the country’s youth.

“Under the new constitution, the country’s sportsmen and women will also gain as a result of good governance in the sports sector,” the Vice-President said.

The Vice-President pointed out that teachers will also gain from the new constitution as it will entrench the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

Leaders who spoke during the occasion emphasized that the new constitution would ensure peace in the country and prevent a repeat of the violence that was experienced in 2007.

They also censured those opposed to the new constitution for peddling half truths to confuse wananchi, saying some of them did not want a new constitution because they wanted to protect the land they had acquired illegally.

Other speakers included Ministers Prof Anyang’ Nyong'o, Kiraitu Murungi, Amason Kingi, Prof George Saitoti, Franklin Bett, Joseph Nyaga, Fred Gumo and Mohammed Elmi, Government Chief Whip Jakoyo Midiwo, Assistant Ministers Ramadhan Kajembe, Beatrice Kones, Gonzi Rai and Asman Kamama and several Members of Parliament among others.