NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Kenyans should return to the work of rebuilding the nation after a national referendum on a constitution, the Kenyan president said after voting Wednesday.
Kenyan voters turned out in droves to vote on a proposed constitution that came out of a power-sharing agreement in 2008 between President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The proposed constitution diminishes the power of the presidency, establishes two houses of parliament and calls for a new bill of rights for Kenyans.
Kibaki said after he cast his "yes" vote Wednesday that it was time for Kenyans to refocus their energy on rebuilding the nation.
"Let's vote peacefully and get back to our nation building duties," he was quoted by the Kenyan Broadcasting Company as saying. "We should also ensure that peace is maintained at all times."
Around 18,000 police officers were dispatched to trouble spots around the country Tuesday in preparation for the vote. There were no reports of violence during the voting Wednesday, though a June explosion in Nairobi left six people dead during a rally opposing the new constitution.
Both Kenyan leaders backed the measure and polls suggested the referendum would pass.
