Come out to vote for new law

NYERI, Kenya, Jul 3 - President Mwai Kibaki on Saturday urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers on August 4 to vote for the Proposed Constitution.

The President pointed out that while it was encouraging to note that majority of Kenyans across the country supported the new constitution, they should solidify their support by ensuring they vote on the referendum day.

“It is not enough to say we support the Proposed Constitution. We need to ensure that we come out in large numbers to vote for it,” President Kibaki said.

The Head of State was speaking when he made stopovers to greet wananchi at Ruiru, Kenol, Makutano, Sagana and Karatina on his way to Nyeri for a “Yes” Support Forum.

Everywhere the President stopped, hundreds of jubilant wananchi moved to voice their support for the Proposed Constitution.

The President, once again, reminded Kenyans that the new constitution signals great progress for the people of Kenya.

In this regard, President Kibaki urged those who have read and understood the benefits of the Proposed Constitution to amicably convince the few who are still undecided.

Stressing the need for wananchi to maintain peace and remain united, the President said Kenyans were one people and should not allow divergence of views to divide them.

Said President Kibaki: “Let’s talk to our neighbours amicably and persuade them to see the benefits of the Proposed Constitution but we should not quarrel with those holding divergent views.”

Noting that for the last 20 years Kenyans have struggled for a new constitution, the Head of State appealed to wananchi not allow the chance for the country to get a new law pass them.

President Kibaki cited entrenchment of genuine democracy as one of the benefits that Kenyans will be assured of once the new constitution comes into effect.

On the East African Community, the President said the new constitution will ensure that the rights of Kenyans are safeguarded wherever they choose to live within the region and beyond.

The President was accompanied by over 20 Members of Parliament including the two Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and Assistant Ministers.

Addressing wananchi during the stopovers, Deputy Prime Ministers Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi echoed President Kibaki’s call for wananchi to back their support for the new constitution by overwhelmingly voting it.

Medical Services Minister Prof. Anyang’ Nyongo said 198 Members of Parliament support the Proposed Constitution because they know it is good for the country.

Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi and Trade Minister Amos Kimunya urged Kenyans to embrace the same unity as that championed by the country’s freedom fighters as they decide to vote for the new constitution.