New constitution finds pride of place on hallowed mount

By Moses Njagih

With the clock fast ticking towards tomorrow’s promulgation of the new Constitution, a group is taking a unique walk in the footsteps of freedom icons, and hoisting a copy of the document near the spot where the national flag fluttered at the dawn of independence in 1963.

Like Kisio Munyao, the departed mountaineer who made the trip at the crack of dawn 47 years ago, as feverish excitement greeted the country, the private citizens are keen on rehashing that history.

The towering Mount Kenya, where the new law, like the draft (right), shall be placed after tomorrow’s promulgation at Uhuru Park.


Organisers say they plan to install the new Constitution metres from the spot where Munyao hoisted the black-white-red and green flag – signalling the birth of Kenya – to synchronise with its promulgation by President Kibaki at Uhuru Park.

The group, comprising tourism stakeholders, cultural enthusiasts and conservationists intend to place the new Constitution at Point Lenana on Mt Kenya, which for centuries, has stood as an abiding symbol of inspiration, and reverence, to Kenyans.

The mountain is also the hallowed ground for communities surrounding it. Their forefathers believed it was the abode of the gods, and followed traditions built around its worship, and what is elaborately explained in Jomo Kenyatta’s biographical Facing Mount Kenya.

The group of about 25, which is drawn from various communities, corporate organisations and Government institutions, started their 4985-metre ascent on yesterday, when they will converge at the Silimon Gate near Nanyuki, at the foot of the mountain.

Coordinator Simon Wachira says from Silimon, the group was expected to walk the seven kilometres to Old Moses Camp, where they were expected to spend the night.

This morning, the group is expected to leave for Shiptons Camp, which is the base of the three peaks of the mountain – Point Lenana, Nelion and Batian.

Point Lenana is dwarfed by, Nelion at 5,188 metres and the highest Batian, which stands at 5,199 metres.

Lenana is the only peak on the mountain that ordinary climbers can access since the other two require skilled climbers.

Friday Morning

The group will spend the second night there before embarking on the final leg to the top of Lenana Point Friday morning.

Wachira said they sought the help of professional mountain climbers and other guides for the mission. Once atop the mountain, the group will monitor the proceedings at Uhuru Park to ensure that they conduct their Constitution installation to coincide with actual events in Nairobi.

Kisoi Munyao who hoisted the national flag on Point Lenana in 1963. [PHOTOS: FILE/STANDARD]


Rock Signage

"A number of Government institutions, corporate sector and individuals indicated their interest in partnering with us, while the Office of the President provided the official Constitution," Wachira, who also heads the Mt Kenya Tourism Circuit.

He added that Magnate Ventures, an outdoor advertising company, would carve a rock signage where the mountaineers would sign their names on reaching the point, while Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) would provide rescue teams, and also construct a box to store the new law.