By Peter Opiyo
ODM has instructed its branches to ensure party supporters register as voters in readiness for a ‘Yes’ vote at the constitutional referendum.
The party would also dispatch materials to its branches to help the public understand the salient features in the document.
Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o said branch chairmen would work with voter registration officials to get supporters to register.
"I would like to call upon all ODM branch chairmen to mobilise members to register as voters," he said.
He added: "Let them work with the registration officials to move from door to door to get the public to register," said Prof Nyong’o.
Addressing the media at Orange House, Nyong’o called on Kenyans to approve the proposed law, saying it is better than the current one.
"As we have stated previously, no constitution is perfect. Although the Proposed Constitution may have aspects which need improvement, it is qualitatively better than the current one," said Nyong’o.
He took on a section of the Church on abortion, arguing section 240 of the Penal Code has allowed abortion since 1930 yet none of the clergy or politicians complained.
On Kadhi’s courts, he called for tolerance among Church leaders opposed to it. Opponents of the Proposed Constitution have cited the chapter on Land as socialist, saying it would not encourage investments.
Nyong’o said land ownership has not been restricted in the proposed supreme law and that it places management of public land under the National Land Commission.
"Ownership of land has not been restricted in the Proposed Constitution. Title deeds will continue to be sacrosanct. Those who acquired land legally and legitimately will continue to be protected," said Nyong’o.
Although ODM supported the three-tier system of government, Nyong’o said the party would respect Parliament’s decision to endorse the two-tier, saying it is a step towards devolving resources and power.
Meanwhile, former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga on Monday met Prime Minister Raila Odinga and later declared he will back the Proposed Constitution.
Mr Njenga declared Church leaders opposed to the document do not speak for the faithful.
"They are not the Church," he said and added he would rally Muslim and Christian youths to support the proposed law in the referendum. Njenga met Raila at his (PM’s) Treasury Building offices.