Vote for Constitution, urge Kenya leaders

• President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga say Proposed Constitution is the best that Kenyans can hope for.

The 'Yes' campaign for the Proposed Constitution started in earnest Saturday with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga urging Kenyans to turn up in large numbers and vote for the document.

In a show of unity and political might, the two principals marshalled their lieutenants to Uhuru Park in Nairobi where they strongly rooted for the Proposed Constitution saying it is the best Kenya can ever have.

President Kibaki reminded Kenyans that "when we leave here (Uhuru Park) let us not think that the Constitution has passed. We still have to convince each one of us that the this Constitution is good and we all vote for it."

Persuade

President Kibaki said there was still time to persuade those in the 'No' camp to change their position before the August 4 referendum.

The two principals told the huge crowd that the Proposed Constitution would address the problems facing the country and unite the country.

Mr Odinga said: "This constitution will help us fight poverty, ignorance, disease and dictatorship."

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, who have been rooting for a "middle" ground position on the Proposed Constitution stated they were firmly for the passage of the laws.

Mr Musyoka said he is firmly in the 'Yes' camp adding that the suggested laws will ensure freedom of worship and checks and balances.

The VP's speech was, however, interrupted by a section of crowd who wanted him to cut short his address.

Mr Kenyatta said Kenyans had waited for a new constitution for years and that time for change is now.

Mr Mudavadi hailed former Anglican church Archbishop David Gitari for supporting the Proposed Constitution despite opposition from other church leaders.

President Kibaki, Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka released doves in the air as a sign of the start of the 'Yes' campaign.

The principals thrilled the crowd with their clarion call for Katiba sasa (Time for new constitution is now).