Thursday, August 5, 2010

YES VICTORY STATEMENT BY THE RT. HON. RAILA A. ODINGA, PRIME MINISTER

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.

RT. HON. RAILA A. ODINGA,

PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
ON AUGUST 5, 2010:

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