Kenya's referendum to be peaceful says ICPC

A Kenyan NGO, the International Centre for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) has expressed optimism that the August 4th referendum will be peaceful, ICPC Executive Director Ndung'u Wainaina has said.

Addressing a press conference in Nairobi Friday, the executive director called on political and religious leaders to carry out peaceful campaigns to ensure that the country is not polarized as was the case during the 2007 general elections.

Wainaina also called on Kenyans to be cautious of what he termed as distortions by those opposed to the proposed constitution.

"Kenyans are on the verge of realizing the fruit of their struggle to democratize their Country. They cannot accord those who have erected road blocks to once again derail the completion of the constitutional reforms. It is necessary that Kenya gets a new constitutional dispensation in order to begin in earnest the genuine national reconstruction and reconciliation." He said.

Meanwhile, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission on Thursday held a conference in a bid to promote peace and harmony during the August 4 referendum.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day conference at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), the Chair of NCIC, Dr. Mzalendo Kibunja, said that Kenyan's should vote without fear and be prepared to accept the results no matter what the outcome of the August 4 referendum.

Dr. Kibunja, urged Kenyans to have confidence with his team because they have come with new strategies that will make sure inciters face the law accordingly.

"We will not allow the country to witness the violence that erupted after the 2007 general elections," he added.

Speaking in the same function, Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mutula Kilonzo, persuaded Kenyans to vote YES but noted that the proposed constitution if passed, will also defend the rights of those who will vote NO because that is their constitutional right.

Mutula who is in favour of the Proposed Constitution criticized leaders who are calling for the postponement of the voting date saying, "this is taking our country back and the young generation who need to be guided and protected by the proposed draft.

"Don't even dream or think of postponing Kenyans' Constitution," he said adding that the government will provide security to ensure free, fair and transparent elections are conducted.

The Chair to the Kenya National Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR), Florence Jaoko urged leaders to show patriotism by asking their constituents to show each other tolerance and understanding.

Also present was the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) Chairman, Bethuel Kiplagat who urged political and religious leaders to emphasize the need for peace whether the YES or NO camp prevails.