Kibaki and Raila salute passing of new Constitution

President Kibaki has addressed the nation where he said that the ushering in of a new Constitution dispensation will herald development.

He said that the three arms of government- Executive, Legislature and Judiciary- should work as one to accelerate development in Kenya.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said Kenyans will soon embark on the hard work of implementing the new constitution and called for cooperation.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka congratulated Kenyans for coming out in large numbers to vote for the new Constitution.

Below are excerpts of the leaders' address to the country.

17: 58 He thanks Kenyans again for the realisation of a new constitutional order.

17:57 President Kibaki said the government will announce a date when the new constitution will be promulgated.

17: 56 He thanks God, well wishers and international community for support in the fight for reforms.

17: 55 He says those who opposed the new constitution will continue to be listened to in a democratic Kenya.

17: 54 President Kibaki calls for unity of purpose in the three arms of government- Executive, Parliament and Judiciary- to transform the well being of Kenyans.

17: 53 He says he sees a hardworking nation ready to bring development and says in the youth he sees the drivers and leaders of Kenya's economy.

17: 52 President Kibaki says that the coalition government has united Kenyans, and that the new constitution should be our shield and defender as we conquer disease, poverty and ignorance.

17:50 The President says that the peaceful vote shows that the country's institutions had come of age and thanks the PM, VP and other leaders for their efforts.

17: 48 Mr Kibaki says that those who voted against the document have been heard and called for unity as the country ushers in a new renewal.

17: 45 The President calls for calm and says those who want to heckle will have time to do so later.

17: 43 The PM welcomes President Kibaki to address the crowd.

17: 41 Mr Odinga thanks the No team for participating in the democratic process of voting for or against the proposed constitution.

17: 39 Mr Odinga said work should start now and urged Kenyans to join their leaders to implement reforms.

17: 37 Mr Odinga lauds President Kibaki for his leadership to see that Kenyans get a new constitution. He also reserves praise for the VP and other Yes leaders for their role.

17: 36 He thanks Kenyans for ushering in a new constitutional dispensation, the IIEC for steering the process and the CoE for producing a good document.

17: 35 Mr Odinga says he who has ears to listen and he who has eyes to see, that Kenyans have spoken

17: 34 The VP welcomes Mr Odinga to wide applause from the crowd.

17: 32 After repeated pleas for quiet, Mr Musyoka says he is proud to be a Kenyan and congratulates Kenyans for coming out in large numbers to vote for the new Constitution.

17: 30 Mr Musyoka is invited to address Kenyans but his speech is interrupted by a section of the crowd.

17: 28 The address to the nation by President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is opened by a word of prayer.