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‘Thank you fellow Kenyans, we did it’
What you need to know:
Those who got the thumbs up
President Kibaki: For spearheading ‘Yes’ campaigns when Prime Minister Raila Odinga was hospitalised.
Mr Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Cabinet ministers, MPs and other leaders: For campaigning for ‘Yes’.
Committee of Experts and the IIEC: For a job well done.
Police: For ensuring security during the referendum.
Kenyans: For turning out in large numbers to vote and maintaining peace.
The two principals on Thursday led Kenyans in celebrating the new constitution with a call for unity and a caution that this was not an end in itself.
President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said change had finally come after 20 years of waiting. “The road ahead will be long, rough and sometimes steep, but with your determination, unity and support, we shall get there. Work is just starting,” Mr Odinga said.
Mr Odinga said Kenyans had spoken with one voice by overwhelmingly backing the new constitution and thanked them for the peaceful vote.
And President Kibaki extended an olive branch to opponents of the proposed constitution, saying their voices had been heard and that they should take part in the process of national renewal and healing. “Even if you opposed the proposed constitution, let us now unite and move forward,” he said.
Mr Odinga also said it was a democratic right for the ‘No’ team to oppose the new laws, an indication that nothing could be done to ministers in the camp. “I am happy they have accepted the results. We will now unite and work together,” Mr Odinga said.
The PM indicated that the ‘Yes’ team, comprising top leaders from across the political divide, would continue working together “until we address the dreams of our forefathers.”
President Kibaki said the adoption of a new constitution was 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.”
Mr Musyoka said it was a new dawn for Kenya, a new beginning and historic. “I congratulate Kenyans for choosing a new constitution. I feel proud to be a Kenyan this particular time,” Mr Musyoka said.
President Kibaki promised to announce the date when new document will be promulgated soon. He is supposed to sign the proposed constitution into law within 14 days.
“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 the Interim Independent Electoral Commission conducted the referendum,” he said.
He also thanked Mr Odinga, Mr Musyoka, ministers, MPs and Agenda IV commissions for their efforts.
