Kibaki and Moi war on

Kibaki says reform record needs no defence

By ANTHONY KARIUKI and PPS
Posted Wednesday, July 28 2010 at 18:55

President Kibaki has said his push for reforms in Kenya is evident and does not need any defence.

It’s a new bold Kibaki as he stamps his authority on reforms
"President Kibaki’s stand on reforms and change needs no defence, and his strong support for the new Proposed Constitution stands out as testimony to a leader who wants Kenya to move forward to enable the country unleash its vast potential by creating jobs and opportunities for the youthful population," said a statement from his office Wednesday evening.

The statement was sent to newsrooms just hours after former president Moi had told a rally in Wote that the President had failed to deliver a new constitution within 100 days as he promised.

President Kibaki made the pledge when he succeeded Mr Moi as Kenya's president in 2002 at his swearing in ceremony.

"Kuna wengine waliahidi katiba kwa siku mia moja, lakini mpaka sasa bado hawajaitimiza (There are those who promised a new constitution within 100 days, but they are yet to deliver)," said Mr Moi during the No rally in Wote, Eastern Province on Wednesday.

Mr Moi's criticism was in reply to President's Kibaki accusation that the former had denied Kenyans a new constitutional dispensation for the 24 years he was in power.

The President told a Yes rally in Embu Tuesday that Mr Moi was misleading Kenyans on the contents of the proposed Constitution and urged him to join the Yes side to ensure the document is passed at the August 4 referendum.

President Kibaki said he has "remained steadfast in his desire to entrench reforms in the country," and that he oversaw the review process that culminated in the 2005 referendum.

He said that despite suffering a loss at the subsequent vote, the government started another round of review talks and was on the verge of giving Kenyans a new constitution in less than a week's time.

"On 4th August, 2010 Kenyans will have a clear choice of voting for a new constitutional dispensation and entrench the reforms they have long desired

"The Grand Coalition Government stands united in its desire to deliver to the Kenyan people a new constitution," said the statement.