Michuki breaks silence, joins Yes camp

Environment minister John Michuki has indicated that he will support the proposed constitution saying he will not act as a stumbling block to the country's quest for a new law July 15, 2010. Photo/FILE

Kenya Environment minister John Michuki has indicated that he will support the proposed constitution saying he will not act as a stumbling block to the country's quest for a new law.

He broke his silence during a Yes campaign rally at Ihura Stadium in Muranga, central Kenya that was led by President Kibaki.

Mr Michuki said he has been a friend of President Kibaki for over 50 years terming him "a visionary leader whose commitment to the building of a prosperous nation is beyond doubt".

The Kangema MP declared that he would not act as a stumbling block to the passage of a new constitution, which has eluded Kenyans for over twenty years.

Mr Michuki said he will join President Kibaki and other leaders in drumming up support for the proposed constitution so as to bequeath the nation a firm foundation for future generations.

Wide berth

The Environment minister, a key Kibaki ally, had maintained a curious silence on the constitutional debate and had also given campaign rallies a wide berth.

He was, however, quoted as saying that the proposed constitution was a bad document since it allowed the military to picket.

His subsequent silence was construed in some quarters to indicate that he was silently opposing the proposed constitution.

President Kibaki welcome him to the Yes campaign team and called on other leaders still opposed to the document to reconsider their stand for sake of unity and harmony in the country.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka assured religious leaders that the passage of the proposed constitution with not erode the credibility and authority of the Church after the referendum on August 4.

Mr Kalonzo said the proposed constitution guaranteed separation of power and equitable devolution of resources to the grassroots for prosperity of regions in the country.

Right decision

He said Mr Michuki had made the right decision to support the proposed constitution.

“The decision by Mr Michuki to rally behind the President in campaigning for the proposed constitution is a sign of respect to the Head of State and other leaders in the forefront charting the country’s destiny."

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said the proposed constitution was good for all Kenyans as it safeguarded the individual creativity and the right to own property in any part of the country.

Cabinet ministers George Saitoti, Joseph Nyaga, Paul Otuoma, Amos Kimunya and Kiraitu Murungi, who also addressed the Yes rally, appealed to Kenyans to come out in large numbers and vote for the proposed constitution to give the country a new beginning.

Enumerating the benefits accruing from the new constitution, the leaders observed that the new law will address injustices that contributed to ethnic hatred and political clashes in the past.

Saying opponents of the proposed constitution continued to mislead Kenyans on the contentious clauses, the leaders urged Kenyans to read the document for themselves to make an informed decision during the referendum.

Assistant ministers and over 20 MPs also addressed the rally.