Annan praises Kenyans for decisive referendum vote

By BEAUTTAH OMANGA

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has congratulated Kenyans for endorsing a new constitution, saying they did Africa proud.

He singled out the peaceful referendum as a contrast to the disputed 2007 General Election that caused bloodshed, saying the new constitution will help shape the country’s future.

The East Africa Community similarly sent congratulatory messages to President Kibaki for steering a flawless exercise, which renewed hopes in the region.

"The result of the referendum, published by the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC), suggests that Kenyans have voiced their overwhelming support for a new constitution and the opportunity it provides to end the country’s decades-long quest for a better governance architecture," said Dr Annan.

And on behalf of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities who mediated the truce between President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga leading to the formation of the Grand Coalition Government, Annan said despite the outcome, there were no winners or losers.

Triumph

"It is Kenya itself that has triumphed. The Panel calls on all Kenyans to respect the will of the people, reconcile their differences and join together to implement the new constitution and inject new energy into reform efforts," he said.

He went on: "The top African personalities commend all Kenyans and the two principals for their stewardship of the constitutional review process, and congratulate the Government and the people of Kenya for this momentous step. We urge all involved to honour their commitments to the outstanding reforms envisaged under Agenda Item 4 of the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation process."

Annan, however, reminded wananchi that the prize on which everyone must stay focused was a stable, united and prosperous Kenya.

He said the Government would need the support of political, civic, religious and business leaders, as well as that of Kenya’s friends around the world to realise the promises the new constitution contains. "The Panel stands ready to support Kenya at this historic and exciting time," he said.

historic achievement

At the same time, the East African Regional Secretariat said: "The East African Community joins the people of Kenya and well wishers among the international community in celebrating this historic achievement that crowns a long and arduous search for a new dispensation for the Kenyan nation."

In a statement signed by Secretary General Juma Mwapachu, the secretariat said the peaceful referendum hammered out on the anvil of the selfless struggle of many Kenyans and the structured collective discourse that ensued within the Kenyan society at large as it reflects the will of the people to shape their destiny in greater liberty, national unity, justice, peace and prosperity for all.

"The new constitution comes as a brilliant light and shines a bright path to the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of the Kenyan nation," said Mr Mwapachu.


The East African Community, he noted, was neither a passive nor a detached observer of the developments in the country.

The official said Kenya’s progress was intertwined with the course of the EAC underlining the imperatives of human dignity and civil rights, good governance and people-centred development towards a truly integrated regional economy and society.

Mwapachu said EAC was optimistic in the success and sustainability of the new constitution, adding it would continue being committed in solidarity and support with the Government and the people, as the country enters a crucial phase of implementing the new constitution.