'Now therefore in exercise of powers bestowed upon me by the Constitution of Kenya. "I Mwai Kibaki President and Commander in Chief of the Republic of Kenya declare that the constitution set out in the schedule shall be the new constitution of Kenay as from the August 27 2010," this is the statement made by President Kibaki which signaled a new Kenya to the jubilation of an excited crowd at Nairobi's Uhuru Park.
President Kibaki, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, arrived at Uhuru Park at 9.35am aboard the colourful military Land Rover and, accompanied by Chief of General Staff Jeremiah Kianga, inspected a guard of honour.
Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo arrives earlier for the occassion [Photo Moses Omusula/Standard]
At around 10.20am Kibaki promulgated the new Constitution making it effective. He signed six copies, one of which will be placed in parliament.
After he signed the new law, the seal was affixed before Kibaki waved it to the cheering crowd. Fanfare and jubilation rent the park as the attendants broke into singing the three stanzas of Kenya’s National Anthem.
It was day like no other in the history of Kenya. Kenyans brazed the chilly Friday morning as they trooped to Uhuru Park to witness a new Kenya being reborn.
As early as 6am on Friday, the crowd at the historic park had swollen signifying the anticipation among Kenyans to see this day become a success.
Then dignitaries started streaming in park to the applause and jubilation from the crowd.
Comoros President Ahmed Abdalla Sambi arrived a few minutes earlier than Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Then came in Sudan President Omar Bashir followed by†Uganda's Yoweri Museveni.
The military displayed a colourful guard of honour awaiting arrival and inspection by the Commander-in-Chief, President Kibaki.
The Speaker of the National Assembly Kenneth Marende was among the first dignitaries to arrive at Uhuru Park to witness the historic moment.
The ceremony went on as planned with the crowds cheering in jubilation and ululations as dignitaries streamed in. One dignitary who however caused a stir is Sudan’s President, Omar Bashir.
Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in his country.
"I am seated in a dais metres away from the main dais. The mood is, sorry, was great and palpable until Bashir walked in. How embarrassing for us! Am ashamed to have this man among us on this Day,’ said human rights lawyer Haroun Ndubi.
After Bashir then streamed in Ugandan President who waved to the crowd and proceeded to the dais to join other dignitaries already seated.
The attorney General Amos Wako later presented the promulgation instruments to President Kibaki.
Thousands of people turned up at the Uhuru Park on Friday for promulgation of new Constitution.
After the president appended his signature on the new constitution, the three stanzas of the national anthem rent the air followed by hoisting the jumbo flag and a 21-gun salute. All this threw the crowd into a, frenzy.
By now the weather had become less chilly and excitement was maturing.
The chief Justice Evan Gicheru was sworn in before he swore in the President.
Prime Minister and Kalonzo Musyoka followed successively and the journey to a new Kenya had just begun.
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