Victory is ours, 'Yes' team tells ecstatic Kisumu

Moi Stadium, Kisumu, reverberated with confidence when President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga led the ‘Yes’ team in a campaign rally.

The team exuded optimism the Proposed Constitution would sail through in the referendum on Wednesday.

The Green side predicted a constitutional ‘Tsumani’ was blowing and the wind of change would culminate in the rebirth of the nation.

The return of Raila was marked with pomp, dance, and joy with President Kibaki and other top ‘Yes’ leaders saying they were ready to take it to the finish line.

The ecstatic crowd, with many wearing green caps and T-shirts, gave the leaders a heroic welcome.

At one time, the youth brought the rally to a standstill for about 10 minutes demanding the programme be put on hold until Raila arrives. Lands Minister James Orengo calmed them down and assured them he was on the way.

Later, it was all cheers when Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi took the podium and welcomed Raila back, and handed over the ‘captain’s armband’ to take charge together with President Kibaki to steer the team to victory.

The Kisumu rally saw the two Deputy Prime Ministers Uhuru Kenyatta and Mr Mudavadi, ‘Yes’ secretariat co-ordinators Anyang’ Nyong’o and Kiraitu Murungi lead other ministers and MPs in a strong show of unity and support for the draft.

Kibaki said despite Raila’s absence, the team traversed the country to educate people on the need to support the Proposed Constitution.

"Safari hii tutashinda (This time round we shall win). We have gone from where Raila left us and campaigned all over the country. We are confident we will win. We will know the outcome of the results early because they will be relayed electronically," Mudavadi said.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka who entered the stadium amid chants of "Wiper! Wiper!" said Kenya would experience a new beginning with a new constitution.

Kalonzo, who was given a warm reception to the lakeside city, said he welcomed Raila’s return. The VP also said corruption would be a thing of the past with the new laws.

"We shall see a rebirth of the nation on Wednesday," he said.

Raila hailed President Kibaki for steering the ‘Yes’ team well when he fell sick and exuded confidence the Green side will win.

"We want to give Kenyans a new constitution. I have no doubt on Wednesday, we shall have a new Kenya," he said.

The PM, who has been out of public limelight for a month on doctor’s advice after he was operated on, reassured Kenyans he was fit and ready to welcome a new Kenya.

Raila thanked Kenyans who prayed and wished him quick recovery during the time he was in hospital.

The PM asked Kenyans to vote overwhelmingly for the Proposed Constitution, saying it would redefine the country’s governance system and restore accountability in governance. The new law, he said, would also ensure equitable allocation and generation of national resources.

Public Service Minister, Dalmas Otieno, said the draft constitution is the antidote for skewed development.

"Devolution will capture all areas in the radar of national development, said Mr Otieno.

Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Fisheries counterpart Paul Otuoma asked Kenyans to vote ‘Yes’ as a way of rejecting bad administration occasioned by archaic laws.