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Kibaki admits defeat

NAIROBI: Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki on Tuesday conceded defeat in a landmark referendum on a proposed new constitution soundly rejected by voters this week in a blow to his political fortunes ahead of elections in 2007. In a live televised address to the nation, a sombre Mr. Kibaki said it was clear the draft charter he backed had been voted down in Monday's plebiscite but he urged Kenyans to remain united and not fall prey to divisions that dogged the campaign. His comments came after official results showed that voters had soundly rejected the controversial draft by a nearly 60- to 40-per cent margin after a deeply divisive campaign marred by violence. Observers said the rejection was a sign of disenchantment with Mr. Kibaki. — AP

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