STATEMENT ON SHARED VALUES BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA DURING THE 16TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE AFRICAN UNION, ADDIS ABABA, 31ST JANUARY, 2011

Chair of the African Union Assembly,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to commence by conveying my very sincere gratitude to the Government and the people of Ethiopia for the warmth of their hospitality.
I also take this opportunity to congratulate the incoming chairperson of the African Union Assembly, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea . It is my earnest belief that your Excellency’s able leadership shall steer the Assembly to greater heights.
Mr. Chairman,
The topical subject of Shared Values provides us with a good opportunity to renew our commitment to collectively uphold democratic principles as enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
Kenya recognizes that democracy and development can only be realized if there is respect for human rights, the rule of law and good governance. Of paramount importance, however, is peace which must be nurtured and supported by strong institutions and legal frameworks.
Excellencies,
The Pan African spirit was the dream of our great statesmen during Africa ’s decolonization. These great men and women promoted peace and unity on the continent.
Shared values are critical not only in achieving the ideals of these great statesmen but also in guiding Africa towards the vision of a common destiny as the continent moves the integration agenda forward.
Of particular relevance to this theme of shared values is the African Union Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance to which Kenya is a signatory. The principles of the Charter seek to commit member states to observe the rule of law, respect human rights and promote democratic governance.
These are the cornerstones for peace and development. Kenya joins other African states in celebrating and sharing these values. This discourse on Shared Values is very timely for Kenya which is emerging from the post election challenges we faced in 2008.
Kenya was a beneficiary of the successful concerted efforts by the African Union to restore normalcy in the country during that unfortunate period in our political history. This is a positive demonstration of the continent’s commitment to the noble values of democracy and good governance.
Excellencies
Kenya is fully committed to the theme of this AU Summit on shared values and principles of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. This is demonstrated by the adoption of a new constitution by majority of Kenyans last August that entrenches democracy the rule of law, social justice and equity. The constitution offers new opportunities to enhance national cohesion, and provides devolution of power and popular participation in governance. My county attaches great significance to these values.
The protection and advancement of human rights on the continent is equally important for us. The new constitution of Kenya contains an elaborate bill of rights, including socio and economic rights.
Your Excellencies
My country is going through a historic transformation based on a strong desire to ensure justice for all, and particularly for the victims of the post election violence that engulfed our country in 2008.
The government has fully cooperated with the International Criminal Court investigations that commenced in early 2010. However, we are also aware that the primary responsibility in exercising criminal jurisdiction lies with the state. This is why the government is preparing the ground for local trials of those responsible for all post election crimes.
In this regard, the government has embarked on reforms of key national institutions of governance including the police, the judiciary and the state law office, among others.
Excellencies
I have noted with appreciation the report of the Executive Council on this matter, as well as the support for our request for deferrement of the ICC proceedings, in line with Article 16 of the Rome Statute, and wish to reaffirm this request by my country.
Finally, and importantly Mr Chairperson, I wish to express my appreciation for your understanding and overwhelming support on this matter. I look forward to restoring Kenya ’s and Africa ’s dignity and sovereignty.

Thank you and God Bless you All.