Kenyans called upon to be accommodative

Written By:PPS , Posted: Sun, Aug 01, 2010

President Mwai Kibaki has urged Kenyans to be accommodative of those holding contrary opinion to ensure peace and harmony prevailed in the country during and after next Wednesday's referendum.

Addressing a mammoth ‘Yes' campaign rally at Moi Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday, President Kibaki observed that majority of Kenyans are set to pass the new constitution as it provides for improved living standards.

The President, who led over 15 cabinet ministers and 40 legislators from across the country in drumming up support for the Proposed Constitution, said he was confident that Kenyans would overwhelmingly support the new constitution.

"I have traveled to many parts of the country and wherever I visited, wananchi demonstrated their eagerness and willingness to pass the Proposed Constitution," said President Kibaki.

Saying opponents of the Proposed Constitution were also Kenyans, the Head of State called on those supporting the new constitution to embrace tolerance so that harmonious coexistence prevails.

He, once again, asked opponents of the Proposed Constitution not to mislead Kenyans on the draft law.

The President reassured of transparency during the referendum and counting of votes, saying the necessary mechanisms have been put in place to ensure timely release of the results.

President Kibaki said Kenyans have struggled for a new constitution for a long time and are now in the final stages of passing a new set of laws which will open a new chapter in the country's history.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga hit out at leaders in the "NO" camp for misleading Kenyans that the Proposed Constitution would encourage same sex marriages.

Saying he has closely been monitoring the "Yes" campaigns, Mr Odinga said Kenyans will pass the Proposed Constitution and realize their dream for positive change in the country.

The Prime Minister said the Proposed Constitution was the best for the country at the moment and those claiming that the document contained contentious clauses were insincere.

Mr Raila reminded Kenyans that there is no perfect constitution in the world and also echoed President Kibaki's assurance that emerging issues in the new law would be addressed after passage.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, on his part, said passage of the Proposed Constitution will ensure a rebirth of the country.

Mr Musyoka emphasized that the new constitution was good as it guaranteed economic empowerment and employment for the youth.

Ten cabinet ministers lead by Deputy Prime Ministers Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi appealed to Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to endorse the new constitution on the referendum day.

The ministers appreciated the crucial role played by the President, the Prime Minister and the Vice-President in leading from the front in the country's reform agenda.

They said the coalition partners have displayed true and steadfast leadership in uniting Kenyans towards passage of the Proposed Constitution.

Others who addressed the "Yes" rally included legislators from the Nyanza region, former MPs and COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli