By Anderson Ojwang’ and PPS

President Kibaki has expressed optimism Kenyans will make informed judgement and give the country a new constitution that will serve them for posterity.

"We will succeed in giving Kenyans a new constitution. We have agreed on various issues. God wanted good for us to succeed in giving Kenyans a new constitution," Kibaki said.

The President told Kenyans not to be worried about the constitutional debate and exuded confidence the document will successfully sail through during the referendum.

"All we want is to give Kenyans a new constitution. It has been a long journey but we will finish it where others left it during the struggle," he said at the burial of former Agriculture Minister William Odongo Omamo at Kapiyo Village in Bondo District.

President Kibaki (left), Prime Minister Raila Odinga (second left) and other leaders pay their last respects to former Cabinet Minister Odongo Omamo during his burial at Kapiyo Village in Bondo, on Saturday. Photo: Titus Munala/Standard

Speaking at the same function Prime Minister Raila Odinga expressed optimism the Church will change its stand on the Proposed Constitution and support it to usher a new dawn in the country.

"Let us not fight one another over the Proposed Constitution. We should appreciate others’ stand and remain united. We are optimistic we will have a new constitution," said Raila.

The Prime Minister emphasised this is the time for Kenya to get a new constitution and personal interests should not be placed before the country’s national good.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli criticised those who keep wavering on the matter. He told such politicians they risk facing the wrath of Kenyans in the next General Election expected to be held in 2012.

Refined orator

Omamo’s famed chorus of kurikuri was replicated at the funeral when various leaders and dignitaries converged at his Kapiyo home to pay their final respects.

The mourners arrived in sleek cars, bicycles, motorcycles and choppers to bury kaliech (elephant).

Those who spoke eulogised Omamo describing him as master of art and refined orator who left his listeners in stitches.

President Kibaki described Omamo as a development-conscious leader who served Kenyans diligently.

Stopover at Bondo

He said Omamo was particularly instrumental in promoting modern farming techniques in the country.

"He helped to impart modern farming skills and improved productivity in many parts of the country," President Kibaki said.

He urged the youth to emulate Omamo so as to participate effectively in nation building duties.

Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei said Omamo was the best Agriculture minister Kenya has produced and that his records speak for itself.

Raila described Omamo as a great leader, close relative and a good competitor who after the battle would come and provide advise to the winner.

Present were deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Ministers James Orengo (Lands), Paul Otuoma (Fisheries), Otieno Kajwang’(Immigration), Assistant Ministers Ayiecho Olweny, Elizabeth Ongoro and Dr Oburu Oginga.

MPs Nicholas Gumbo, Rachel Shabesh Jakoyo Midiwo and Shakeel Shabbir were also present.

President Kibaki and the Prime Minister later addressed wananchi and urged them to vote for the proposed new constitution. They spoke when they made stopovers at Bondo trading centre, Akala and Kisian junction.