By Peter Orengo

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has hinted his backing for the Harmonised Draft Constitution.

Speaking for the first time on the draft law that seems to have narrowed down to the powers of the Executive, the PM advised Kenyans to divorce personalities from the proposed laws.

"Last time we asked you to say ‘no’, but this time we want you to say ‘yes’. Look carefully at the harmonised draft so that we have a document that all Kenyans agree on," Raila said.

The PM faulted those who have given focus to presidential and prime minister’s powers, saying they were blinded by his and President Kibaki’s positions.

Under the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, the President is Head of State and Government while the PM is the Coordinator and supervisor of all Government functions including ministries.

"Stop concentrating on Raila and Kibaki. We are making a document for all Kenyans, a document that can stand the test of time," the PM said.

Raila spoke at Bomas of Kenya, the venue where the Bomas draft was made, during the Borana Cultural Night on Saturday evening.

"Kenyans sat here for months and came up with the Bomas Constitution. But thugs scuttled the process for their own selfish ends. This time we will not allow that to happen," he said.

Raila, who was accompanied by his wife Ida, also asked communities from Northern Kenya to co-exist peacefully.

"We want to see an end to cattle rustling, conflicts and killings between the Borana, Pokot, Embu, Meru, Samburu and Rendille," the PM said.

Agriculture Minister William Ruto also attended the function, but spoke and left with a number of MPs from both ODM and PNU before the PM’s arrival.

Ruto defended the plight of marginalised communities, saying leaders were to blame for inequalities seen in the country.

"It is a shame that marginalised communities say they are going to Kenya, when they visit Nairobi. God did not make a mistake when he created and put us wherever we are," said Ruto.

He asked leaders to focus more on fighting hunger and tackling poverty, especially in the northern Kenya.

"Northern frontier can be changed to be the bread basket of the country with the right vision and an action plan," he said.

Those who accompanied Ruto were Northern Kenya Minister Mohamed Elmi, Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth and MPs Mohammed Ali, Francis Chachu, Aden Dualle and David Ngugi.

Kenyans have two more weeks to submit their views to the Committee of Experts on the Constitution review.

Separately, Roads minister Franklin Bett asked Kenyans to ensure they are not swayed by smokescreens of Kibaki and Raila while making judgement on the harmonised draft.

"The constitution is a document for posterity. It will be for generations to come. If we are blinded by looking at Kibaki and Raila in relation to the positions they hold presently, we will fail again," Bett said.