Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki skirted around the political quagmire facing his government during Monday's national celebrations to mark the country's 42nd independence anniversary and accused his rivals of "playing politics of deceit."

"I took a solemn oath to protect the constitution... I will guide the process to get to a new constitution because I know that is what many of you (Kenyans) desire. It is time again for you to give your views on what kind of constitution you want," Kibaki said.

The Kenyan leader is facing political rebellion within the government after a 21 November referendum on a proposed new constitution, which he backed, but which failed to make it through at the ballot box.

"Let us always endeavor to rise above narrow partisan interests and embrace the broader national interests, which would determine the rhythm of development for our country," Kibaki said in his speech during the independence fete, known in Kiswahili as " Jamhuri Day."

"This is a great country with great potential for faster development and prosperity. Let us not waste our energies on unproductive politics. We need to learn to conclude political issues and move on," he said.

Rival political parties have been asking him to disband parliament and call fresh elections, arguing that his government lost the mandate of the people when they voted down the draft constitution, which was due to be promulgated during the Jamhuri Day fete.

However, President Kibaki warned against what he called " endless debates."

"We should not engage ourselves in endless debates at the expense of development. Let us direct our energies to productive activities that impact positively on the well being of each and every one of us," he said.

President Kibaki is contending with mass rejections of cabinet appointments, which came after he reconstituted the cabinet, disbanded after the humiliating loss of the referendum vote.

"I commend you all for conducting yourselves peacefully and for demonstrating tolerance and respect for divergent views in the period before, during and after the recent national referendum on the constitution," Kibaki said.

Kenyans had hoped the President would outline his plan of action to get the country from the current political limbo and press forth with the economic reconstruction of the country. DOUBTS OVER NEW CABINET

However, President Kibaki took the opportunity to outline his government's reform track record and announced that all public servants would be expected to comply with a new code of ethics.

He said the government would facilitate consultations to open the way for a legal framework that will guide the nation towards achievement of a new constitution.

"The constitution is about building the nation, and should never be used as an instrument for dividing the country. Therefore, we should keep away from politics of deceit and propaganda, which would complicate this process," he said.

He said his new look cabinet, which expelled his foes who jointly formed the ruling coalition which swept him to power, was aimed at serving the country and bringing back the lost glory.

But the international community has expressed regrets about the new cabinet, expressing doubts about its ability to deliver.

Local press here quoted German Ambassador Bernd Braun as criticizing Kibaki's new cabinet, reconstituted after the loss of the referendum vote, saying it was incapable of serving Kenyans.

"The referendum was viewed by many as a test vote on the performance of the government, what was widely expected was for the President to dissolve parliament so that MPs could seek fresh mandate," said Braun, a key campaigner against graft in Kenya.

But Kibaki observed that several sectors that have recorded improved performance included manufacturing, trade and building and construction, which expanded by 4 percent, 9.5 percent and 3.5 percent respectively.

"On aggregate, real GDP grew by 4.3 percent last year, and is expected to exceed 5 percent this year. This improved performance is the result of prudent management of the economy," President Kibaki said.

He also said the government has continued to ensure stability in order to enable investors make long-term investment decisions.

Kibaki said the growth in tax revenues has exceeded projections by an estimated 30 billion Kenya Shillings this year, which has enabled the government to meet most of its budgeted expenditure needs and reduce its demand for domestic borrowing.

Source: Xinhua