President Mwai Kibaki has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant not to fall prey to manipulations by a cross section of leaders opposed to reforms and the new constitution.

President Kibaki affirmed that the country was about to usher in a new dawn heralding progress, equity and social justice.

Addressing jubilant wananchi in Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga South District during campaigns for the new constitution, President Kibaki said that people opposed to reforms would rather join the unstoppable process of the reconstructing a new nation.

Noting that Kenyans from all parts of the country were determined to secure the future and lay a solid foundation for their nation by voting for the draft law, President Kibaki said a few contentious issues could not hold back the review process that has entered its final leg.

“Kenyans are in agreement that the new constitution is good for the country and its future generations,” said the Head of State.

The President also told the huge gathering that the Government has voluntarily implementing massive development projects in all parts of the country for the welfare of its citizens and not as a bribe to vote for the new constitution.

President Kibaki said, “The Government has been implementing development projects for the sake of improving the livelihoods of its citizens.”

The Head of State assured the area residents that various developmental needs affecting the region would be addressed particularly with regard to road construction and rice production.

He noted that the government had secured a Shs 12 billion grant from the Government of Japan to revamp rice production in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme.

He further assured the rice growers that the government would protect them from unscrupulous traders by holding a consultative forum for all stakeholders to address their needs.

“The Government envisions wealthy farmers. Local farmers must produce enough rice for local consumption as well as for the East African Community region and beyond,” said the President.

On his behalf Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka urged residents of Kirinyaga to join other Kenyans in voting for the new constitution so as to bequeath the nation a long-lasting inheritance.

He told the mammoth crowd that all regions in the country were on a competing mode focusing to vote the highest for the proposed constitution.

The Vice-President further affirmed that there was no competition between the church and State adding that all Kenyans must emerge as winners after the referendum on August 4th.

On his part Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta said that a new beginning for the nation was at the threshold and urged Kenyans to secure it for posterity by voting for the new constitution.

The Finance Minister noted that the massive development achievements attained through leadership of President Kibaki must not be allowed to erode but should act as the foundation of future economic prosperity of the nation.

Mr Kenyatta further appealed to the area residents and Kenyans at large not to fall prey to falsehoods being spread by ‘No campaigners' who want the retention of a constitution that protects a few citizens at the expense of the majority.

Others who addressed the gathering included Cabinet Ministers Njeru Githae, Amos Kimunya and former Mwea MP Alfred Nderitu.

In attendance were several legislators drawn from all parts of the country and senior government officials.