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Nairobi Star

Nairobi — The Yes and No teams held their final landmark rallies in the city and appealed to the electorate to vote on Wednesday.

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga exuded confidence when they told a packed Uhuru Park rally that they were assured of victory on Wednesday.

Less than ten kilometers away, Higher Education minister and his No team accused of the Yes team of using unfair means to force Kenyans to vote in favour of the proposed constitution.

"They locked us out of Kisii stadium, they did they same at all venues in Nairobi and this morning I had to speak to the police commissioner to secure this venue. They have the money and international a support but we have God on our side," said Ruto at the Dagoretti grounds.

The rally started on a low note as the organisers seemed unsure whether the meeting was on. By 3.pm in the afternoon, the main dais was yet to be set.

"We have been having problems with the police" said Bishop Mark Kariuki of the Deliverance Church.

Police officers in anti-riot gear kept vigil until the arrival of NO team leaders at around 3.30 pm. They stayed on until the rally ended.

"Let us meet on Thursday to celebrate our victory," President Kibaki said and commended the Yes team leaders for their unity of purpose.

"I want to say thanks to Raila, because he has helped cultivate the unity of purpose and changed our hearts. Now we are stronger and winning," Kibaki said.

"When I see this huge crowd, it is like I have been reborn," Raila told cheering crowd. Yesterday's meeting was the second day of action for the PM who has been recuperating for the last one month following an operation on his head.

"This journey has seen many Kenyans lose their lives, others maimed, while many others became orphans. It is therefore incumbent upon us who are here today to carry out the process to its logical conclusion on Wednesday by voting resoundingly in support of the proposed draft,"said Raila.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka commended the two for their leadership of the Yes team. "The need for change is unstoppable. On Thursday we are going to witness the second republic," Kalonzo said and described the meeting as being reminiscent of 2002 meeting where Raila and other opposition leaders decided to throw their support behind Kibaki leading to Kanu's defeat.

Public servants including the Attorney General Amos Wako and the head of public service Francis Muthaura were among the many senior civil servants including permanent secretaries who attended the rally.

Muthaura did not address the crowd but donned a green cap and green scarf around his neck and enthusiastically cheered the speakers from the second row where he sat.

Ministers Henry Kosgey, Franklin Bett and Sally Kosgei urged voters in the Rift Valley to vote for the proposed constitution saying the region would stand isolated and on the wrong side of history if it rejected the proposed constitution.

Others who spoke include ministers Kiraitu Murungi, Dalmas Otieno, William ole Ntimama, Fred Gumo, Chris Obure, Beth Mugo, Otieno Kajwang, John Michuki, John Munyes and MPs Jakoyo Midiwo, Abdikadir Mohamed,Simon Mbugua, Elizabeth Ongoro, Johnston Muthama and other invited guests like Rev Dr Timothy Njoya among others.

Over at the Dagoretti grounds, Ruto urged Christians to vote against the constitution alleging it allowed abortion on demand, the proposed devolution was unfair and gay marriages were going to be legalized.

"Look at what is happening in the Middle East. We are not ready to have it here in Kenya. For the sake of peace, vote No in this referendum," said Ruto

MP Kiema Kilonzo appealed to the provincial administration to vote against the proposed constitution as they would be signing their sacking papers if they said Yes.

"It will be like putting committing suicide.How do you campaign for a law that removes you out of office," Kilonzo said.

Bishop Pius Muiru said the grand coalition government will collapse in the near future. "It is only this constitution that is uniting President Kibaki and Raila. Once it is passed, you will see how the grand coalition will disintegrate," Muiru said.

Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lessonet said the high number of MPs in the in the proposed Parliament would be too expensive for the country.

Others who spoke included Pastor Lai of Jesus Celebration Centre, Pastor James Ng'ang'a of Neno Evangelical church, MPs Linah Jebii Kilimo, Wilfred Machange and Information minister Samuel Poghisio.