KENYA VOTES FOR THE NEW CONSTITUTION: NEW DAWN

Have you ever been to a place called Change?  We know some people who know how to get there! They have built a road to Change; it’s taken over 20 years – but it’s a good road!  It started off as an off road route, and for decades it looked like a road to Nowhere.  But undaunted, Kenyan patriots knew how important this road project was and kept at it – even when it wasn’t the popular thing and especially when it wasn’t the popular thing.  They had conviction and persistence and a historical perspective of why a road was necessary in the first place.  Change is the ultimate destination; and the Constitution a law for how to move on the road to Change.
Hence the demand for a New Constitution of Kenya.
This evening, the 5^th day of August 2010, the Constitution road was opened for use by ALL KENYANS without discrimination.
Millions of Kenyans want to use this road to that place called Change, and millions more are young Kenyans, who are eager to see that place called change in the shortest time possible.
Today, the road to Change has been opened for all Kenyan Citizens to use, and also to look after, protect and defend. That road is the new Constitution of Kenya. New, so that our lives are better, so that our children can prosper, so that today and hereafter the citizens are in charge of Kenya’s democracy.
Very special thanks to:
The sheroes and heroes of the struggle – for your sacrifice Kenyans owe you their freedom
The entire IIEC team – you have done Kenya proud! An example that a lean, honest public institution that has the confidence of the public can deliver for Kenyans. – Hongera!
To the 40 Million Kenyans – who have today the opportunity to embrace freedom, democracy and Change.
Today, 5th August 2010 at 20.38 hrs at the Bomas of Kenya, the New Constitution of Kenya was declared ratified by the Chairman of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission Of Kenya.
‘  A dead tree stands apparently as firmly as ever – It may even seem firmer because it is harder – but it is rotten at the core,  and soon must fall.’ Tolstoy 1894

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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.