Kibaki in final plea for votes

Written By:PPS , Posted: Mon, Aug 02, 2010


President Mwai Kibaki has urged wananchi to stick to their resolve and come out in large numbers to vote for the Proposed Constitution.

Addressing a mammoth "Yes" rally in Kitui town Monday, President Kibaki said Kenyans should not allow themselves to be confused by the "No" camp this last minute but prove their support for the new set of laws on 4th August.

"This is not the time to debate about the new constitution but pass it so that the country can move forward. We should therefore not give a chance to those who want to take the country backward," President Kibaki said.

The Head of State emphasized that while it was the democratic right of every Kenyan to express their opinion, the truth was that even the opponents of the Proposed Constitution know it is good for the country.

The President pointed out that Kenyans had a reason to support the Proposed Constitution which is people driven unlike the Lancaster House one which did not have the input of wananchi.

Noting that all the places he has visited wananchi turned out in large numbers to demonstrate their support for the Proposed Constitution, President Kibaki expressed optimism that the country will get a new constitution as their support will translate to massive votes for it at the referendum.

In this regard, the Head of State urged supporters of the new constitution to encourage the few who are still undecided to join the rest of Kenyans in passing the Proposed Constitution.

"Those who have lost direction should be forgiven and guided back to the right path. Persuade them amicably to join you in passing the new constitution," the Head of State said.

President Kibaki, particularly, thanked the youth for overwhelmingly vividly declaring their support for the Proposed Constitution, saying it signals the new chapter of opportunities that will be opened to them once it is passed.

On development, the President said the Government has sourced funds to upgrade the Kibwezi-Kitui-Mwingi- Maua road, adding that the rehabilitation work will start in phases soon.

Speaking during the occasion, commended Kenyans for the unity of purpose they have shown in supporting the Proposed Constitution and urged the few who are opposed to it to join the rest of Kenyans in voting for the new constitution.

The Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka reiterated that the new constitution was good for the country because it guaranteed Kenyans the right to education and healthcare among other basic rights.

Thanking President Kibaki for leading from the front in the reform agenda, Mr. Kalonzo expressed optimism that the new constitution will pass as all national leaders have come together to ensure the country moves forward.

On her part, Water and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu censured the "No" camp for spreading falsehoods about the contents of the Proposed Constitution, saying it is an open lie to allege that the new constitution supported same sex marriages.

Mrs. Ngilu thanked President Kibaki for introducing the Free Primary Education and asked Kenyans to vote for the new constitution so as to ensure it continues for the benefit of the country.

The Water Minister also commended the President for granting Kitui residents their wish for institutions of higher learning, noting that Kenyatta University had a campus in Kitui while Nairobi University had a constituent college.

She added that Kitui Teachers College was set to be opened soon for the benefit of wananchi not only in Kitui but also the whole country.

Other benefits that Kitui residents have received directly as a result of President Kibaki's leadership include water dams, the Water Minister said.

Former Labour Minister Ngala Mwendwa endorsed the Proposed Constitution, saying it is better than the Lancaster House Constitution.

He said right from the beginning those who went for the Lancaster House Constitution knew it was not good for the country but took it because at that time the overriding issue was independence.

Other speakers drummed up support for the Proposed Constitution included Internal Security Minister Prof. George Saitoti, Assistant Minister David Musila, several current and former Members of Parliament.