Tomorrow Kenyans go to the polls to decide whether to adopt a new constitution. The draft constitution is the result of a broad consultation process, and it is generally seen as a useful step forward because it provides ways of keeping corruption in check and it limits the absolute power of the president. It contains a number of unusual provisions, but the parliament decided to put the draft to the people without making any amendments.
President Kibaki had promised to bring in a new constitution during his previous term in office, but had failed to do so. He is now supporting the new constitution, as is prime minister Raila Odinga. Opposition to the constitution is being led by William Ruto, a member of parliament currently under prosecution for alleged corruption and also rumoured to be a possible target of the International Criminal Court over 2008’s post-election violence. Ruto hopes to become president one day.
Many churches have also proclaimed their opposition to the constitution because it contains a clause outlawing abortion unless in the opinion of a trained health professional the life or health of the mother is in danger and because it contains special provisions for Muslims. US anti-abortion campaigners have been funding and supporting the “No” campaign, as has former president Daniel arap Moi.