Obama lauds Kenya for passing new law

US President Barack Obama has praised Kenya's Parliament for approving the draft constitution.

He said President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga had done well to rally support from Members of Parliament and welcomed the overwhelming approval of the new law.

"We are encouraged by the strong statements made by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga in support of the draft," read a statement from the White House.

The Kenyan Parliament on Thursday passed the new constitution without a single amendment and the document now goes to the Attorney General for drafting after which it will be presented for a referendum.

President Obama has urged Kenyans to focus on the future of the nation and unify to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.

"A unified effort to see this important reform element through can help to turn the page to a promising new chapter of Kenyan history. The people of Kenya will soon have the opportunity to exercise their will through a national referendum," the statement reads.

The US said it would continue to support the Kenyan people in their efforts to ensure that future generations enjoy peaceful, democratic, and transparent governance. 

This comes a day after church leaders said they would not be backing the draft law since MPs had passed it without amending clauses on kadhi's courts and abortion. They said the State should treat all religions equally and not fund one at the expense of others.

On abortion, the leaders said the church would remain steadfast in protecting one's right to life and not encourage a law that provides leeway for termination of pregnancy.