Lawmakers approved the draft constitution after three days of violent demonstrations by protesters who said the ruling party was ignoring a grass-roots review process that demanded sweeping reforms.

The attorney general will now make a final draft of the constitution, which will be put to a national referendum tentatively scheduled before year's end. Many Kenyans do not share Kibaki's confidence that the charter will enable the east African nation to make a clear break from the past.

Visiting former U.S. President Bill Clinton sought to encourage them, saying they should continue pressing for what they believe in.

The Japan Times Weekly: July 30, 2005
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