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Nyeri, October 29, 2005

First Lady Mrs. Lucy Kibaki addressing a public rally at Karatina stadium in Nyeri District

New Constitution caters for all, says First Lady

First Lady Lucy Kibaki today said the proposed new Constitution caters for the interests of all Kenyans and urged wananchi not to listen to those opposing it.

Addressing a public rally at Karatina stadium in Nyeri District the First lady pointed out that the constitution was particularly good as it addressed the aspirations of women and the youth.

" Women and the youth should support the new constitution as it is tailored to grant them all the rights that they have been denied for over forty years of Kenya's independence," the First Lady said.

She noted that the new constitution would also empower the youth by ensuring that they were engaged in gainful activities unlike the old one, which did not take into account their interests.

In this regard the First Lady censured opponents of the draft constitution saying they were self-seekers who did not have the interests of this country at heart.

Citing the provision of quality health services and education as some of the basic services that the new constitution will ensure Kenyans are not denied, the First Lady appealed to all Kenyans to ensure they voted for the Constitution, which will improve their welfare.

She once again urged wananchi to challenge those who are opposing the proposed new constitution to tell them what they have done for the country and the people they represented in parliament.

The First Lady said most of those who are opposing the constitution were greedy people who feared that the new constitution would punish them for their past misdeeds.

" Some of these people looted public resources during the past regime and now they are opposing the constitution so that they can divert Kenyans attention," the First Lady said.

She stressed that the proposed new constitution was one of the best in the world and would ensure that Kenya moved forward and the lives of wananchi were improved.

The First lady also appealed to Kenyans not to trust selfish politicians who were disrespectful to the presidency in their quest for power.

" How can these leaders be expected to lead the nation when they are lying to the people they are supposed to lead" Mrs Kibaki posed.

Earlier the First lady visited Karatina District Hospital where she donated a theatre bed and nutrition supplements for expectant mothers and malnourished children.

The First Lady also officially opened Karatina children's home building and donated various items of foodstuffs and Kshs 100,000 for the Children's home.

The First Lady also visited AIC Mahiga Children's home in Othaya where she donated Kshs 120,000 and various items of foodstuffs, at Othaya sub district hospital she donated an incubator and nutrition supplements while at Othaya rehabilitation centre she donated various items of foodstuffs and Kshs 120,000.

While addressing a second rally at Othaya rehabilitation center grounds in Othaya town, the First Lady said those who are peddling lies about the new constitution and inciting wananchi to cause violence will not succeed in their evil motives.

Urging wananchi to come out in large numbers to vote for the constitution during the referendum, Mrs. Kibaki assured Kenyans that the Government was committed to ensuring that the existing peace was maintained at all times.

She said people should not be scared by the threats being issued by some politicians who have lost direction but instead concentrate on activities that will build their nation.

Mrs. Kibaki further noted that the Narc Government has been working hard to ensure Kenya's economy improved by encouraging investors to invest in the country thus create employment for Kenyan youth.

In this connection, she urged wananchi to remain united and support the Government in its efforts to fulfill all its pledges including the passing of a new constitution that will guarantee the future of the present and future generations.

Present were local leaders including area member of parliament Nderitu Gachagwa and Central Provincial Commissioner Peter Raburu.