President Kibaki's statement on the new Constitution

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 5 - SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING, ON SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE REFERENDUM 5TH AUGUST, 2010

Fellow Kenyans,

We are happy to welcome the provisional results of the referendum. The historic journey that we began over 20 years ago is now coming to a happy end.

I assure our brothers and sisters who voted against the proposed constitution that their voices have been heard.

Let us all join hands together as we begin the process of national renewal under the new constitution.

The adoption of a new constitution is going to be a victory for Kenya and for the many people who fought long and hard for a new constitutional dispensation that reflects our hopes, our aspirations.

The successful and peaceful conclusion of this referendum shows that our democratic institutions have come of age. I am particularly pleased at the transparent and efficient manner that the Interim Independent electoral Commission conducted the referendum.

I also wish to thank the Right Honourable Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Honourable Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Ministers, Members of Parliament and other national and local leaders for their frontline role and support for the new constitution. The Grand Coalition Government has been able to unite the Kenyan people to reach where we are today. I thank all the institutions established by the Grand Coalition Government under the reform agenda, for their valuable contribution.


Fellow Kenyans,

Let us all re-dedicate ourselves to fulfilling the dream of our founding fathers. Indeed may the new Constitutional dispensation be our shield and defender as we strive to conquer poverty, disease and ignorance.

The journey ahead of national renewal will not be easy. There will be challenges along the way. But it is important that we look forward with renewed optimism to better days ahead.

In you Kenyans, I see a great people ready to build a prosperous nation. I see in you hardworking farmers, dedicated public servants, professionals, industrialists, businessmen and women and leaders.

In our Youth, I see the next generation of leaders and drivers of our economy. It is to the youth, in particular, that we shall be looking up to in this great journey of national renewal.

In this regard I call for unity of purpose in all arms of government - the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary, as well as political parties, civil society and the media to ensure successful implementation of the new constitution.

Fellow Kenyans,

I call upon all of us to channel our energies to transforming our economy and social well being to higher heights in accordance with vision Twenty Thirty.

We shall continue with dialogue as we implement the new constitution.

Those who have expressed different views about some of the issues in the new constitution will continue to be listened to within the vibrant democratic institutions established under the new constitution.

After all, democracy is about accepting the verdict of the majority while at the same time giving room for accommodation of the minority.

I would like to thank the Almighty God for blessing this country and its people.

May I also thank all our well wishers from many countries who are friends of Kenya. We value the encouragement they have rendered us in this long journey.

Finally let us all prepare to play our part in the New Kenyan Nation that will be ushered in through a new constitution once it is proclaimed.

Meanwhile, we shall soon announce the date of promulgation of the new constitution.

ASANTENI NA MUNGU AWABARIKI

Prime Minister Raila Odinga's statement on the new Constitution

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 5 - YES VICTORY STATEMENT BY THE RT. HON. RAILA A. ODINGA, PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON AUGUST 5, 2010:

Fellow Kenyans;

Change has finally come to our land. It has come because we refused to give up. It has come because finally, we agreed to work together.


If there is anyone out there who still doubts whether the dreams of the founders of our nation are still with us, who still questions our people’s thirst for a better country and democracy, who still question whether Kenyans really want a break with the past, today we have the answer.

In schools, churches and mosques around the country, Kenyans stood in miles and miles of lines and waited patiently for hours to cast their vote and provide this answer.

We did it because we believe Kenya can, and should be one nation, indivisible by religion, tribe, race or any other single issue.

Today, the people of Kenya delivered an unforgettable verdict that this nation has to be one; that though we may pursue different political interests, we can come together for the good of the nation.

We extend special recognition to the youth of this land and our mothers and sisters who have long been sidelined as women. They joined together and gave our drive for a Yes vote a mighty push. We are better off for their efforts.

Thank you all for showing the world that we are not just a collection of tribes, clans and races. Thank you for proving that we, the people of Kenya, can still stand up and speak for ourselves when it matters most. Thank you for defying the cynicism and doubts that were planted. Thank you for choosing hope over fear, unity over division.

I extend special thanks to His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki for stepping in front when our country needed it most and taking charge of the campaign for the Proposed Constitution. Be assured that Kenyans recognized your efforts.

Thank you Vice President Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, Cabinet Ministers, MPs and all leaders who stood up for this process.

We thank our almighty God for being on our side and for answering our cry after more than 40 years in the wilderness.

I congratulate the Committee of Experts and the IIEC for a job well done.

We congratulate those who campaigned against the document too. They contributed to the expansion of democracy in our country.

As we celebrate, let us remember that this Yes vote alone is not the change we were looking for. The victory only gives us the mandate to implement the changes we long sought. We must discard the ways and the attitudes of the past and march towards a new Kenya.

The road ahead will be long, rough and sometimes steep, but with your determination, unity and support, we shall get there.

What this victory has proved is that when we stand together as one people, one nation, we will overcome our problems, with the help of God. That must be the spirit in the days and years ahead.

Thank you.