Uhuru backs draft, rules out amendments
Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta broke his silence in the constitutional debate by declaring he will support the proposed law.

Uhuru said claims he had opted to remain neutral over the Proposed Constitution were a misconception.

He, however, proposed the electorate be offered an opportunity to vote in the document as it is or have contentious issues isolated at the implementation stage until agreed upon.

"I want to make it crystal clear that in the coming referendum, I will vote ‘Yes’ and I urge fellow Kenyans to come out in larger numbers and support this constitution," said Uhuru, who is also the Finance Minister.
great gains

He said according to him, the draft law, which he participated in negotiating, was better than the current constitution, saying it provides great gains and satisfies aspirations of the people.

The minister, however, said even as he clarified his position on the draft, there was need for leaders to respect each other by rising above partisan interests.

Uhuru said he expected the current window before the AG publishes the final document to be used to address pertinent issues.

"I am convinced the one-month window between the time Parliament voted for the document and when the AG publishes the document at the beginning of May provides a rare opportunity to try and bring on board the various contending segments of our society," he said.
He said borrowing from the experiences of the post-election violence, there was need to have all Kenyans on one side in the constitutional debate to avoid going to the referendum a divided nation.

He welcomed efforts to reach a compromise between the religious leaders and the Government. He said as a member of the Government side of the team, he was optimistic of reaching a consensus.

"We are working to convince religious leaders who still opposed some clauses to consider the greater good of voting ‘Yes’ for the document. We also recognise that issues like abortion have been the subject of full referendums even in advanced democracies." he said in a statement.

Uhuru said opening the draft for amendments was impossible given the strict time frame set out by the Constitutional Review Act.

"I must remind Kenyans the constitution review is operating on a strict legal timetable and opening the document for amendment at this late stage is absolutely not an option," he said.

He urged those opposed to it to change their mind, support the document and pursue the changes thereafter adding: "After all, even the best of the world’s constitutions were given life and broad acceptance by amendments long after adoption."