Preach peace, Kalonzo tells camps

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka on Sunday charged both ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ teams with ensuring peace is maintained after the August 4 referendum.

He told leaders it was their responsibility to preach peace among their supporters. “We need to put the country before anything else and preach peace and at this critical moment,” he said.

Making a passionate appeal to residents to vote for the new law, Mr Musyoka said the proposed constitution did not legalise homosexuality and dismissed claims that same-sex marriages would allowed.

Command respect

The VP, who was speaking during a door-to-door ‘Yes’ campaign in the lower Eastern region, urged church leaders to preach peace following reports of increased tension in parts of the country.

“The church will continue to command respect whether ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ wins,” he said.

The VP was accompanied by Agriculture assistant minister Gideon Ndambuki, Kibwezi MP Prof Philip Kaloki, former minister Prof Kivutha Kibwana and former MP Peter Maundu.

Earlier, the Vice President joined worshippers for a Sunday service at the Kalamba African Inland Church (AIC) where he said there was no antagonism between State and church.

In Western province, the ‘Yes’ team on Sunday accused former president Daniel Moi of a ploy to confuse Kenyans into rejecting the document.

Led by Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, the team said Mr Moi had gone out of his way to malign the new set of laws. Mr Mudavadi said the claim by Mr Moi that the document was prepared by foreigners was a “pack of lies’.

Nominated MP Musikari Kombo said Mr Moi had set a bad example by hitting the campaign trail instead of enjoying a quiet retirement.

He said although Mr Moi had a constitutional right to express his views, it had become apparent that he intended to ensure the quest for a Constitution did not bear fruit.

“Former President Moi should know that he has a responsibility to ensure that he does not bring the office of retired president into disrepute,” he said.

Reported by Benson Amadala and VPPS