JOIN THE REST

President Kibaki has urged the Church to join the rest of Kenyans in supporting the proposed constitution, saying the issues they disagree with will be addressed once it is endorsed at the referendum.

The President said it will not be right to deny the country a new constitution because of only a few issues that can be resolved once it is passed.

“Lets us not discard this good constitution because of a few issues which can be addressed later," he said during a Yes campaign rally at Kiritiri in Embu East District Tuesday.

The Church has joined politicians, led by Higher Education minister William Ruto in opposing the proposed constitution, which they say is flawed.

The Church objects to Article 26 (4) which empowers doctors to end a pregnancy if it endangers the woman's life or she needs emergency treatment.

Christian leaders are also opposed to the retention of kadhi courts in the proposed constitution under Article 169 and 170, which limit their authority to disputes over personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance, where all the parties are Muslims and agree to take the case to a Kadhi.

Address challenges

Saying the proposed constitution will address most of the challenges the country has faced in the past, President Kibaki commended majority of Kenyans for supporting for the document.

Citing the issue of counties, he assured locals that they will be increased once the proposed constitution is passed.

“I assure you that the number of counties will also be increased after we pass the proposed constitution,” President Kibaki said.

Responding to requests from Mbeere residents, President Kibaki said the government has set aside Sh30 million in the Budget for the construction of Mbeere district headquarters.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said the country needed a new constitution and expressed confidence that all Kenyans will vote for it.

Mr Musyoka further pointed out that the government was ready to talk with the Church on the constitution, saying there was no struggle between it and the State.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said the proposed constitution will ensure that every region has sufficient funds for development, adding that the new law will also empower Kenyans to manage the development of their areas.

Saying the proposed constitution will protect the rights of all Kenyans, Mr Kenyatta urged Kenyans not to allow the opportunity to pass.

Other speakers included Cooperative minister Joseph Nyagah, assistant minister Cecily Mbarire and area MP Rev. Mutava Musyimi, among other local leaders.

Also present were Cabinet minister Amos Kimunya, MPs Lenny Kivuti and Emilio Kathuri, among others.