Kenyan leaders appeal for peace ahead of vote in hopes of avoiding repeat of 2007-08 killings

Kenyan leaders appeal for peace ahead of vote

NAIROBI, Kenya — Leaders in Kenya are calling on the country to carry out a peaceful referendum.

Wednesday’s vote is the first national ballot since postelection violence in 2007-08 left more than 1,000 people dead.

Kenyans are voting on whether to accept or reject a new constitution that would reduce the powers of the presidency. But the draft also has raised emotions over land rights, abortion and Muslim family courts.

Police officials said Tuesday they are better prepared to deal with any post-vote violence than during the 2007-08 violence.

President Mwai Kibaki asked his countrymen Tuesday to embrace one another as brothers and sisters after the vote.

Politicians and analysts predict that the referendum will be largely peaceful.