Moi urges Church to stand firm against proposed laws

Former President Moi stepped up campaigns against the Proposed Constitution and urged the Church to stand firm.

Addressing Christians in Kisii on Sunday, he said they should give a resounding ‘No’ vote to the draft law on Wednesday.

He dismissed as cheap politicking those promising the document will be amended after being passed at the referendum, saying it will last forever, citing the current one, which had governed the country for more than 47 years.

He said he was not interested in politics nor was he in the business of building any politician, but only concerned with the welfare of young Kenyans, whose foundation is not well defined in the proposed law.
Former President Moi addresses the congregation at Ichuni Catholic Parish, Kisii, where he campaigned against the Proposed Constitution, on Sunday. Photo: Robert Nyasato/Standard

"Political seats will come and go but the constitution will define your destiny forever. That is why I am asking Kenyans to reject the Proposed Constitution as it does not show how wananchi will live in future," he said.

Message of peace

The former President spoke at Ichuni Catholic Parish Church after Mass led by Father Lucas Ongesa. ‘No’ leaders such as Kisii Mayor Samuel Nyangeso, Masimba Town Council Chairman James Omwoyo, his Keroka counterpart Erick Mironga and PDP chairman Stephen Nyarangi attended. Moi also urged Kenyans to observe peace during and after the referendum, saying there was no need for people to fight over the proposed law.

"This should not be a recipe for chaos. Use your vote to speak out your mind," he said.

He said he was saddened following fears expressed by communities living in the Rift Valley over the proposed laws, but expressed optimism people would co-exist as before.

"When I say this, it is not tribal. I am not a tribalist but a nationalist. Wherever I am, I am at home. I want people to live in harmony and I believe they have heard my message," he said.

He faulted the drafters of the new law, arguing they should have asked Kenyans what they were not satisfied with in the draft instead of confining them into either rejecting or accepting the whole document.