Leader warns of cheap propaganda

President Mwai Kibaki has dismissed allegations that the provincial administration would be disbanded upon the enactment of the proposed constitution as being alleged by the opponents of the new law.

Noting that the provincial administration constitute a vital governance structure that has been in existence since independence, President Kibaki urged leaders to desist from peddling falsehoods that create gloom and undermine national cohesion.

The President warned Kenyans that the cheap propaganda was intended to defeat the new constitution but expressed confidence that majority of Kenyans were determined to pass the new law.

"The Provincial Administrators will continue discharging their duties. They form an important organ of governance that reaches Kenyans up to the grassroots," assured the Head of State.

The President, who was addressing a mammoth Yes Campaign rally at Kinoru Stadium in Meru on Saturday, appealed to majority of Kenyans who support the proposed constitution to remain steadfast until the new constitution is realized next month.

Noting that only a few Kenyans were opposed to the new constitution, President Kibaki told Kenyans to voluntarily pass the new law so as to entrench a solid foundation for a modern nation and its citizens.

The Head of State noted that with the passing of the new law every Kenyan citizen would be guaranteed fundamental rights enjoyed in modern nation-states as well as lead decent lives.

The President said, "Do not waver in your stand to support the proposed constitution. The new law is intended to ensure improved living standards among all Kenyans."

During the occasion the Head of State further expressed his desire to lead Kenyans in tackling other important developmental challenges facing the country once the constitutional process is concluded.

President Kibaki affirmed that wananchi could evidently see government supported projects aimed at improving and securing the future of the nation and to create opportunities for all citizens.

He assured Kenyans that the government would continue expanding development programmes targeted to empower them financially, particularly the youth.

The President further urged Kenyans to continue living harmoniously and asserted that every citizen had a right to work, invest and live in any part of the country.

Addressing the same gathering, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka affirmed that President Kibaki had distinguished himself as a trustworthy leader who was dedicated to bequeathing the country a precious inheritance.

The Vice-President noted that President Kibaki had laid a firm foundation in governance and management of public affairs, a legacy Mr. Musyoka said could only be secured through the enactment of the new constitution.

Mr Musyoka noted that the President had liberated many parts of the country which had previously been neglected and denied a fair portion of their development requirements.

Thanking President Kibaki for his steadfast commitment to the realization of a new constitution, Mr Musyoka said that the residents of Eastern Province must shame the No campaigners at the referendum for alluding that they were undecided over the new law.

He urged area residents to turn out in large numbers and vote for the new constitution and ensure that President Kibaki bequeaths the nations a rich legacy which all Kenyans shall be proud of.

Addressing the same forum Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta urged Kenyans to treat the issue of the new constitution with the seriousness it deserves.

Mr Kenyatta urged Kenyans to maintain focus on fundamental benefits that the country would enjoy upon the passing of the new law and urged them to disregard petty issues being fronted by the opponents.

He assured that the proposed constitution would not only protect the rights of all citizens but that it would also heal, reconcile Kenyans and importantly detribalize the institution of Presidency.

The Deputy Prime Minister dismissed the issues being fronted by the NO camp because they had been agreed upon at Naivasha during sessions conducted by the Parliamentary Select Committee

Several cabinet ministers who addressed massive rally included cabinet ministers Kiraitu Murungi, Prof Anyang Nyong'o, Prof George Saitoti, Fred Gumo, Amos Kimunya as well as several assistant ministers.

The rally was attended by several legislators, senior government officials, professionals, civic leaders and grassroot leaders drawn from the greater Meru region.