Nairobi — Sudanese citizens in Kenya Monday held a peaceful procession at Uhuru Park in Nairobi to push for the referendum scheduled for January to be held as scheduled.

The spokesperson, Southern Sudan Youth Forum for referendum Ms Awuor Mawien said that the Sudanese people want to make their decision on the referendum on January as slated earlier.

"We do not want the referendum pushed to July. We want to make our decision now," Ms Mawien said.

The referendum is expected to be held on January 9, next year where the Southern Sudan people will decide whether or not they should be part of Sudan. This is as stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Sudanese, Ms Mawien said, want to secede as it's the only way they are assured of peace and stability.

"We hope for separation as then there will be no fighting and we can enjoy peace, independence and freedom," she said.

The Vice Chair of the United South Sudan Youth for Referendum Campaign Mr Akol Mel also echoed her sentiments.

He further stated that Sudanese in other parts of the world should also be allowed to cast their votes during their January referendum."We should be allowed to have polling stations here as there are many people in Kenya from Sudan. Those who can travel back can however cast their votes back home," Mr Mel said.

Southern Sudanese people, he maintained, want to be governed separately from Northern Sudan.

He further pushed for immediate civic education to ensure that people make a wise and informed decision on the referendum.

The ninth of every month was chosen for the protests as former Southern Sudan President John Garang died in plane crash on the July 9, just 21 days after he was sworn in.

Dr Garang's Sudanese People's Liberation Movement\Army fought a 21 year war with Bashir's National Congress Party government which ended on January 9, 2005 following the a peace deal signed in Kenya.