Kenya reveals constitution draft

Arguments over the constitution have led to riots

The final draft of a historic constitution for Kenya aimed at preventing the abuse of power has been published by the government.

Critics say the first new constitution in more than 40 years fails to curb the powers of President Mwai Kibaki.

Violent street protests took place in July over the allegedly unfair handling of the constitution-writing process.

A referendum will be held later this year and the government hopes to enact the constitution by 12 December.

Appeal for patience

This issue is dividing the government, with one member of the ruling Narc coalition saying it will campaign against the draft, alongside the opposition.

Mr Kibaki has called on citizens not to reject the draft before having read and understood it.

He warned that some were trying to spark a political crisis.

THE TWO DRAFTS Previous draft envisaged: Executive prime minister sharing power with the president Four-level devolution: national, provincial, district and rural Two chambers of parliament Latest draft entails: Executive president and non-executive prime minister Two-level devolution: national and provincial Only one chamber - the national assembly

The government says it will provide up to 3m free copies to allow people to form their own opinion on the issue.

If approved in the referendum, the 197-page document will be the first major overhaul of the country's constitution since Kenya's 1963 independence from Britain.

Critics of the draft say it fails to establish a strong prime minister's post, which they say would prevent the president abusing his powers.

Instead, the premier is appointed and can be dismissed by the president.

During the 2002 election campaign which brought him to power, Mr Kibaki promised to introduce a new constitution, including the post of prime minister, within 100 days of coming to power.

The current proposal is a combination of a draft by a National Constitutional Conference in March 2004 and the one proposed by parliament in July.

The referendum, which should take place within 90 days, is being challenged in court over alleged irregularities.