Kenyan voters reject draft constitution

KENYAN President Mwai Kibaki conceded yesterday that voters rejected a new constitution that he had supported - the most serious political setback since he was elected in 2002.

The results from Monday's referendum have "shown clearly that many people rejected the proposed constitution. I would like to congratulate all for participating in this historic event," he said. "My government will respect the verdict of the people."

Mr Kibaki added that Kenya will not plunge into a constitutional vacuum because the current constitution will remain in force.