Kenya takes its place among world’s top democracies at emotional ceremony

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SPEECH BY H.E. HON. MWAI KIBAKI, C.G.H., M.P., PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER‐IN‐CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON THE OCCASION OF THE PROMULGATION OF THE NEW CONSTITUTION,

FRIDAY, 27TH AUGUST, 2010

EXCELLENCIES,
FELLOW KENYANS,

Today is a great day for Kenya. I salute all Kenyan citizens wherever they are. I
feel honoured to be your President at this moment because this is the most important day in the history of our nation since independence. Through a referendum, on 4th August, the year Two Thousand and Ten, we, the people of Kenya, on the basis of our own free will, overwhelmingly voted to renew our nation and usher in the Second Republic.

I have today, as President of this great republic, appended my signature on Kenya’s New Constitution, as an affirmation of the endorsement of the basic law of the land. I thank the Almighty God for guiding us through the peaceful referendum and for enabling us to witness this historic moment.

On your behalf, I wish to appreciate all those who have contributed intellectually as well as through sheer hard work and commitment to the realization of our New Constitution. I also wish to pay tribute to all those patriotic Kenyans who suffered injuries or lost their lives, freedom and property in the struggle for the New Constitution. We thank them and salute them.

Fellow Kenyans,
This moment marks the decisive conclusion of the TWENTY‐YEAR journey in search of a new constitutional order. This New Constitution is an embodiment of our best hopes, aspirations, ideals and values for a peaceful and more prosperous nation. The New Constitution gives us renewed optimism about our country and its future.

Some of us were present at the birth of the First Republic. As young leaders, we envisioned turning our newly born country into a prosperous, healthy, and developed nation in a generation or two. A lot has been achieved towards this goal, but much more work remains to be done.

The New Constitution gives our nation a historic opportunity to decisively conquer the challenges that face us today. It provides us an avenue to renew our
fight against unemployment and poverty; an opportunity to work and become a developed people and nation.

As Kenyans, we should be proud for making history, as one of the few nations in
the world that have successfully replaced their Constitution in an atmosphere of
peace. I salute the Kenyan people for their courage, patience and determination
during this long and sometimes painful journey. This Constitution will fundamentally transform our nation politically, economically and socially. Some of the changes will be immediate and we must be ready to support them. Other changes will take time. We must remain resilient and focused as we work towards their fulfillment.

The changes envisaged in the New Constitution will present some challenges along the way. However, the New Constitution gives us better structures of governance to address the challenges more efficiently. Our resolve to complete the journey of our nation’s transformation must remain firm.

As we embark on the journey of national renewal, I ask all of us to keep in mind the vision of the NEW KENYA. A New Kenya, where we will no longer have people living in absolute poverty, or facing unemployment. A New Kenya where food insecurity will be a thing of the past. We are on the march towards a New Kenya where there will be more opportunities for employment and business. A New Kenya where there is better housing, healthcare and education for our people. A New Kenya where all citizens will lead productive and dignified lives. This is the promise of the New Constitution.
This promise is possible because we are blessed to have a talented and hard working population. The New Constitution is also a promise that every Kenyan, young and old, man or woman will unleash their full potential.

This is more so because we are a people with a diverse range of cultures, languages and other sources of human inspiration. The New Constitution accords each person, group of persons and cultures a place in the process of unprecedented social cohesion and national integration.

From this day on, the people of Kenya should embrace a new national spirit; a spirit of national inclusiveness, tolerance, harmony and unity. I appeal to Kenyans, individually and collectively, to build a nation that will be socially and economically inclusive and cohesive where all have equal access and opportunities to realize their full potential.

To the youth of our nation, I wish to assure you that the New Constitutional dispensation will create opportunities that will lead to the attainment of your goals and dreams. I see in the youth of Kenya a lot of promise, energy and creativity. As a country, we have to invest in our youth to enable them to harness their potential. It is the empowered youth that will make this country globally competitive.

Fellow Kenyans,
With the promulgation of this Constitution, we must change our approach to politics. We must enhance the role of truly competitive ideas and methods of getting the country to be a developed society in the shortest time possible.
The new institutions that will come with the national and county governments need the support of all Kenyans. More importantly, let us use the opportunities being offered by the county governments to develop all corners of the country. The devolved governments must be adequately anchored in readiness to make their contribution to the attainment of VISION TWENTY‐THIRTY.
The New Constitution will also usher in new ways of conducting public affairs, particularly in the elected and appointed state and public offices. This

Constitution’s leadership code and values makes it clear that people who will present themselves for public or state offices will have to be individuals of integrity, willing to be held accountable by the people and the institutions and laws of our country.

The New Constitution ensures that current and future leaders entrench integrity and fairness in the justice system, build a world‐class public service, and promote politics of issues and ideas. The leaders must guarantee that the Bill of Rights is enforced, and establish the framework to enable the national and county governments work harmoniously.

These leaders will be expected to facilitate the success of Kenyan businesses and industries as well as put in place land ownership and use systems that promote equity and productivity. The Grand Coalition Government has provided the required leadership for delivering the New Constitution. We are ready and fully committed to providing continued leadership in the implementation of this Constitution. We have a unity of purpose in enacting all the laws required to give full effect to the New Constitution.

In conclusion, I once again salute the Kenyan people for peacefully ushering in
the New Constitution. I also thank our international friends for their support and encouragement when we sought a New Constitution. I most sincerely thank the Heads of State and Government and all other distinguished foreign guests for honouring us with their presence to witness the ushering in of our New Constitution and the birth of our Second Republic.
I am confident that this Constitution will endure and stand the test of time. The dawn of a new era is upon us. Let us seize the moment with courage because the birth of the Second Republic holds great promise for the Kenyan people.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL NA MUNGU AIBARIKI KENYA.

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SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS HON. DR. STEPHEN KALONZO MUSYOKA, EGH, MP ON THE OCCASION OF THE PROMULGATION OF THE NEW CONSTITUTION OF KENYA, UHURU PARK,

NAIROBI, FRIDAY 27TH AUGUST 2010

Your Excellency Honourable Mwai Kibaki President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kenya
All visiting Heads of States and Governments
The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Raila Odinga
The Speaker of the National Assembly Hon Kenneth Marende
The Chief Justice Hon Evans Gicheru
Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers
Members of Parliament
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Wakenya Wenzangu

It is tremendous privilege and honor that I stand here and salute you all on this very special occasion as we celebrate the inauguration of a new constitution of our Republic. This day is historic. It marks the beginning of a new era in the life of our great country. And for this significant achievement, I say thank you to God, and to Fellow Kenyans - Congratulations! Hongera Sana! We have emerged triumphant.

We can now look back with satisfaction at how much we have over the past decade consulted each other about how best our society should be governed. We have in the process written and re-written numerous drafts of our constitution until we overwhelmingly approved the final edition in a public referendum early this month, paving the way to this day's celebration.
Many countries around the world have moved forward to set the stage for a brighter future for their people. For us Kenyans, this day marks the beginning of our renaissance. We have taken the first - indeed the boldest - step in transforming our country into a great nation. We are now set to recapture and restore out independence dreams and aspirations - the dreams of a united and prosperous nation. Under the new constitutional order, we will be able to reclaim our dignity as a people.

1. Justice will be guaranteed for all, while our God given national resources will be exploited for the benefit of all. And on their part, leaders will be accountable to the people of Kenya .
2. Kenyans from all walks of life will be fully on board the bus of destiny - the youth, the aged, the disabled, and women who have traditionally been marginalized will now be fully included in social and political processes as a matter of constitutional right.
3. In short, Kenyans nationalism has shifted from a dream to a reality under the new constitutional order

Fellow Kenyans,
The dawn of the new era also portends tremendously well for our national pride, prestige and image in Africa and the world. By the single act of inaugurating a new and quality constitution, we have regained our honor. We shall regain the pride our heroes and our sportsmen and sportswomen such as Kipchoge Keino, Ben Jipcho Catherine Ndereba, and Rudisha bestowed upon us and raised our flag high in the eyes of the world. We shall once more be proud to profess that we are Kenyans.

There is a sense in which our achievement in passing a new constitution marks an important beginning in the journey towards a new social and economic era for our country and our people. We must not lose sight of the reality that poverty and social distress in now the outstanding challenge that is facing us today. A lot of us have lived in and understand the enormity and dehumanizing characteristics of poverty and deprivation. Poverty hurts.

Therefore, time has come for every Kenyan to roll up his or her sleeves and work to create wealth and conquer poverty. We must create opportunities for investment in order to expand our economy and create jobs. The long queues of men and women walking from Kibera, Kawangware, Mathare, Uthiru and other suburban areas to Industrial Area and the city centre going to work in the morning must be replicated in the afternoon and evening as we move closer towards a 24 - hour economy.

This new dawn will only come once we shed off destructive, ethnic-based leadership and embrace a high moral value-based leadership style, such kind of leadership must focus on addressing economic and social needs of our people.

Finally, Fellow Kenyans
As we celebrate this great day, we should reflect upon the great sacrifices that others in the past and present have made in bringing our nation this far. We had our independence freedom fighters such as Ezekiel Apindi, Orkoiyot Koitalel Samoei, Moraa Moka Ngiti, Waiyaki wa HInga, Field Marshall Dedan Kimathi, W.W.W.Awori, Mekatilili wa Menza, and of course Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and the rest of the Kapenguria seven, among several others.

The NARC dream, personified by such luminaries as Professor Wangari Maathai, the late Kijana Wamalwa among others and the moral high ground it espoused has now, in earnest, been realized. Kenyans now, rightfully, belong.

And now I turn to Your Excellency Hon Mwai Kibaki. Thank you Mr. President. You have done us proud. You have led us all to the send republic; one that holds promise of a better future and good tidings. Mr. President you will leave behind an unassailable legacy that will, change the fortunes of this country for ever.

Wakenya Wenzangu
Katiba hii tunayozindua siku ya leo ni dhihirisho la mwanzo mpya na mwelekeo mpya wa Taifa letu la Kenya , Katiba hii itatuwezesha kufikia ufanisi mkubwa katika safari yetu ya kujenga taifa thabiti na lenye uongozi utakaoimarisha uchumi wetu na kuwanufaisha Wakenya wote popote walipo. Hasa uongozi katika vita dhidi ya adui msalia ambaye ni umaskini.
Kenya Hoiyee!
Katiba Mpya Hoiyee!
Ahsanteni sana !
Long live Kenya
God bless Kenya . God bless you all

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SPEECH BY THE RT. HON. RAILA ODINGA, PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, DURING THE ENACTMENT OF A NEW CONSTITUTION FOR KENYA AT UHURU PARK,

NAIROBI; AUGUST 27, 2010.

Your Excellency the President,
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government
Your Excellencies the ambassadors;
Members of the diplomatic Corp;
Members of the diplomatic Corp;
Citizens and friends of Kenya:

Today, we mark the end of one journey, as we embark on the beginning of another.
On the Fourth of August this year, Kenyans stood one by one in the solitude of the polling booths and voted in favour of a new national Constitution. In that moment, so fleeting and yet so historic, decades of struggle for a better future were finally rewarded.

The Fourth of August will go down in history as the date on which we, the people of Kenya, formed a more united nation, and established the groundwork for justice, unity and the full blessings of liberty for ourselves and for posterity.

No one could have thought that out of the bitter harvest of the disputed election and the violence that pitted our people against each other just two years ago, we would be witnessing today the birth of a national unity that has eluded us for more than 40 years.
Today, we close a long chapter in our history. We put repression, exclusion and heroic struggle behind us once and for all. We have opened a clean new page in our book. On that page, we begin writing the story of an equal and just society.

We gather here now to ratify the pledge we made to ourselves and to the world, that Kenya shall redeem herself and extend the frontiers of democracy and freedom. This freedom has eluded us for more than forty years. Each time we came close to attaining it, it slipped from our grasp.
Each time we missed it; ever-greater repression seemed to replace the justice we sought.
But a time comes in the life of every nation when citizens have to choose between the status quo and a future that is full of promise.

In dedicating this Supreme Law, we pay our respects to those who walked this land before us, who saw its beauty, and who fought for fulfillment for all its citizens.

We remember Pio Gama Pinto, Josiah Mwangi Kariuki, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Alexander Kipsang Arap Muge, Masinde Muliro, George Anyona, Katama Mkangi, Jean Marie Seroney, Henry Okullu, among many others who struggled for this day to come but did not live to see it.
We honour Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Martin Shikuku, Wangari Maaithai, Chelagat Mutai, and the Young Turks of the Second Liberation who pushed us closer to this day.
These are but a few of the Kenyan patriots who sacrificed to make today a reality. At great risks to their lives, they challenged dictatorship.

They paid great prices to liberate our country from impunity. Collectively, we owe them a debt of gratitude. In the words of the late Sir Winston Churchill.... "Never have so many, owed so much, to so few..." We thank and honour our President, Mwai Kibaki, who has today signed into law what we endorsed on the Fourth of August.
In 1992, when multiparty politics were restored to our country, Mr Kibaki joined hands with the Opposition. Ten years later, he led our country into a new era and towards the Constitution that we now unveil.

We thank the Grand Coalition Government for pulling together to deliver this critical item of our National Accord. We salute the women and the youth of Kenya for their heroic participation in the rebirth of our Nation.

We owe gratitude to His Excellency Dr Kofi Anan, a true friend of Kenya, and the team of Eminent African Personalities who stood with us at our lowest moment in our history and helped us trace our way back into sanity.

We proclaim this new Supreme Law in the firm belief that lasting peace and security and prosperity for all can only come if we all enjoy freedom and justice as equals.
The promise of this new beginning will be challenged by our traditional enemies; corruption and negative ethnicity. We must be vigilant and stop corruption from stealing our future and negative ethnicity from weakening our nationhood.

To those in charge of public affairs, may public service be what it is; public service; not self-service. This new beginning must mark the end of shallow political partisanship and herald the start of mature competition among political parties.

To all the people of Kenya, I say, thank you for taking your destiny into your own hands.
Among us today are representatives of the international community, some of whom have stood with us in good and bad times as we have continued our search for these new laws. We thank you. This Constitution is our humble contribution to the culture of democracy and human rights worldwide that you represent.

It is our solemn pledge that never again shall the laws of our land divide and authorise the repression and oppression of our people.
I have never said this with a fuller heart: God bless you all, and God bless Kenya.
Thank you.

See how unruly my opponents were, or so Trade minister Chirau Mwakwere seems to be telling journalists at his new office on Wednesday. The minister defended himself against allegations of hate speech. Photo/PETERSON GITHAIGA

I was only responding to provocation from the ODM party leaders, that was Trade minister Chirau Mwakwere’s defence against claims of hate speech on Wednesday. The minister accused the vice chair of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Mrs Mary Onyango, of prejudice.

“I believe the good lady is shocked at my reappointment to the Cabinet or probably she has not recovered from my resounding win and the loss of my opponents whom she seems to serve,” he said.

On Tuesday, Mrs Onyango faulted Attorney General Amos Wako and Police Commissioner Matthew Iteere for not acting on recommendations to arrest Mr Mwakwere for hate speech.
Mrs Onyango said the commission had sufficient evidence to sustain a case against the Matuga MP.

“We are disappointed that our advice has not been heeded and as a commission hereby publicly reiterate our advice to the police and the honourable AG that Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere be prosecuted for violating Section 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act 2008,” said Mrs Onyango.

But speaking at his office on Wednesday, Mr Mwakwere said the commission had not called him to explain his comments.
“What I said cannot be translated to mean hate speech and probably somebody is only becoming tribal. Was I angry? Yes. “Engaging in hate speech? No. I responded to hate speech by my opponents in ODM and the commission should thank me for that,” said Mr Mwakwere.
The minister said ODM leaders campaigning for Hassan Mwanyoha at Kibuyuni Shimba Hills in the Matuga by-election told some communities to be prepared for bloodshed if he was re-elected. The commission also accuses the minister of threatening returning officer Hellen Sidi, an allegation he denies.

On Wednesday, electoral commission boss Ahmed Issack Hassan said: “It is true there were complaints against the candidate and the commission followed the law to deal with the issue.”

However, he said the commission did not disqualify Mr Mwakwere because he “had heeded our warning and we did not hear of any more complaints.”

Daily Nation

By WALTER MENYA

Wednesday, August 18 2010

See the Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxj6XtjI3CE&feature=player_embedded

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Mwakwere denies inciting Kenyans
BY EVELYN NJOROGE

Mr Mwakwere claimed that he only spoke against his rivals who had provoked him and attempted to rig him out in the election.“I’m not aware of any hate speech made by me. What I’m seeing are clips of a sentence or two but if people understand Kiswahili, (as I said it in Kiswahili) there is nothing (there) that you can translate as hate speech,” he said.

The minister said he had not received any communication from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) accusing him of uttering inciting remarks.In a press briefing where he was supposed to outline his plans for his new docket, Mr Mwakwere showed journalists photos and video clips of some of his challengers dishing out money to his constituents in the exercise that was marred by a series of attacks on some of the supporters.His reaction came a day after the NCIC urged the Attorney General Amos Wako to prosecute him for violating Section 13 and 62 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act 2008.

Mr Mwakwere however launched an attack on the commission saying that instead of vilifying him, the NCIC and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission should carry out thorough investigations and recommend the arrest of people he termed as the real culprits in the campaigns that saw him recapture his seat as the area MP.

The minister who was flanked by two councilors who were allegedly beaten during the campaigns said he was willing to provide ‘evidence’ that some people incited his constituents and others openly bribed them.Although Attorney General Amos Wako says NCIC’s allegations are being investigated by the police and his office, it remains to be seen whether any action will be taken against the minister who just re-joined cabinet on Monday.

Source: Capital FM
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Below are the comments of Kenyans from all walks of life who on their own came out in support of the newly appointed Trade Minister, Hon. Amb. Chiarua Ali Mwakwere, when they saw a clear witch hunt on the part of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) particularly the commission vice-chair Ms. Mary Onyango who on Tuesday ( 17. Augu 2010) held a press conference faulting AG Amos Wako’s office and Matthew Iteere’s Kenya police of failing to act on its recommendations to arrest Hon. Mwakwere. The comments are unedited, were published by the Daily Nation, of August 17, 2010.

1. Submitted by ThuoGatunePosted August 18, 2010 12:53 PM
They have not derailed anything. The only prevented implementation of useless politically motivated, and shallow thoughts. Onyango still has the tribal mind-set, hating who-ever is in opposition with Raila.

2. Submitted by Jacobias9Posted August 18, 2010 12:28 PM
I love your comments.. usual Kenyan witch hunt. I expect more of this in the future. The same blood-thirsty mobs that chase and murder "suspects" in the streets of Nairobi also roam cyberspace thirsting for virtual blood.

3. Submitted by kiria_waraPosted August 18, 2010 10:55 AM
The eras of cover-ups, no-stones-turned and official impunity is what we overwhelmingly voted out. NCIC has every right to go public, they work for the same public, not a few elites. AG Wako must understand his days of smiling all evils away are over, as will be his tenure in an year, and work for Kenyans for a change. If Makwere is not arrested, neither should any other Kenyan submit to the law, or are there two sets?

4. Submitted by odhiamboondoroPosted August 18, 2010 08:23 AM
NCIC has every right to bring this issue to the public domain. Hon AG must be seen to be impartial in dispensing justice and not pussy footing when it comes to some cases. We had rather the speed that was used to bring the likes of Hon Machage to account be used in expediting this case lest we think there are some favourites and sacred cows.We are watching how Forever smiling will handle this.

5. Submitted by karoyoPosted August 17, 2010 10:01 PM
Dzipapa!!

6. Submitted by kiumbaniPosted August 17, 2010 06:05 PM
Its ok for NCIC to push for the prosecution of makwere for hate speech. but this should not be done in a way that depicts victimization. they should read out the whole list of warmongers to be prosecuted. otherwise we may read other motives!

7. Submitted by mureraikihiaPosted August 17, 2010 05:08 PM
I don't think Kenyans are taking the NCIC seriously as they are now playing politics. This is an ODM driven vendetta and vindictiveness at losing Matuga after much chest thumping and media hype. Why haven't we heard about Ntimama on suswa incitement et al? Even one of the Principals was is off the hook on some frivolous explanation by Kibunjia. ODM should grow up and learn to lose gracefully. Leave Mwakwere alone.

8. Submitted by ChesterPosted August 17, 2010 04:53 PM
Its funny that the Cohesion vice-chair Mary Onyango did not come out until after Mwakwere has been appointed to the cabinet. Come up! Leave Dzipapa alone.

9. Submitted by otienozPosted August 17, 2010 04:47 PM
Mrs Onyango shouldn’t engage in cheap politics of playing to the gallery. Mwakwere complained about the impartiality of the returning officer accusing her of being biased towards ODM. Is that hate speech? During referendum campaigns, NCIC only hunted down NO campaigners while turning a blind eye to inciters on YES side like Ntimama and Nkaissery. Give Mwakwere a break! Kibaki did well to ignore such busybodies in re-appointing him minister. Whom is NCIC working for? He defeated ODM and they must swallow their pride

10. Submitted by 13579Posted August 17, 2010 04:39 PM
Many Kenyans don't understand what their Laws stand for or why Laws are there to be followed.Let him alone he won the election,please arrest him,leave him alone mumezoea.This are the type of Kenyans who need to be educated on their rights and tought to understand how Law is ejected in action

11. Submitted by nmjoePosted August 17, 2010 04:23 PM
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission should understand there is a difference between, free speech, anger,insults and hate speech.They can not classify all bursts of anger and insults as hate speech.During the referendum even differing opinions were being called hate speech.The commission needs to first understand the law.People like Ntimama are still free because the commission is a political tool of intimidation that does not understand what hate speech is

12. Submitted by MishukiPosted August 17, 2010 04:09 PM
This guy has won the election, so leave him alone.Let us not play politics.We are in the next leg of implemeting the New constituion, the by-election is long gone.

13. Submitted by wanjiruwachegePosted August 17, 2010 03:41 PM
They could have done it ealier so leave Mr. Makwere alone mumezoea.

14. Submitted by rofiPosted August 18, 2010 07:26 AM
Forget Makwere, how about Gideon Moi and his father? These guys are showing open bias or a scared of some people. NCIC makes recommendations and what they recommend does not necessarily mean that people have to jump to attention. Boring

Mheshimiwa back in the Cabinet

Mwakwere back to Kenyan cabinet

Matuga MP Chirau Ali Mwakwere is back to cabinet following a mini reshuffle on Monday.
Six ministers have been moved and two assistant ministers appointed in the changes announced by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Mwakwere is now the Minister for Trade taking over from Amos Kimunya.
Kimunya has been confirmed Transport Minister, a position he held in an acting capacity after Mwakwere lost his parliamentary seat in an election petition but later recaptured.
Dr Naomi Shaaban has been moved to the Gender ministry swapping places with Esther Murugi who takes over the Special programmes docket.

Prof Hellen Sambili has been posted to East African Community ministry previously held by Amason Jeffah Kingi who has been appointed Minister for Fisheries Development.
Paul Nyongesa Otuoma has been taken to the Youth and Sports Ministry from the Fisheries Development ministry.

The two Principals also appointed two assistant ministers. Prof Margaret Kamar (Eldoret East) is the new assistant minister for Environment.

The new Bomachoge legislator Simon Ongari is the new trade assistant minister filling the position that was left vacant by Omingo Magara who lost in a by election.
Kibaki in a statement from his Presidential Press Service said the changes take effect immediately

Source: Kenya Broadcasting Corp (KBC)
Written By:PPS , Posted: Mon, Aug 16, 2010
_________________________

Kenya's Kibaki names new trade minister in reshuffle

* Mwakwere returns to cabinet, Kimunya moved to transport
* Five other ministers swap places

NAIROBI Aug 16 (Reuters) - Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki appointed Chirau Ali Mwakwere trade minister on Monday, moving the incumbent Amos Kimunya to the Transport Ministry and shuffling five other ministers around.
Mwakwere, a key ally of the president from the coast region, was transport minister until February when he lost his parliamentary seat after a court petition. He won back the seat in a by-election.

The reshuffle, made in consultation with the Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saw the ministers of the east African community, fisheries development, special programmes, youth and sports and gender and children change portfolios.

There has been a clamour in a section of the grand coalition government that was formed to end a post-election violence in 2008 to jettison cabinet ministers who campaigned against a new constitution ratified by voters on Aug.4.

There was no mention of the ministers who opposed the new charter including Higher Education Minister William Ruto in the statement from the presidency which announced the changes. Only one minister from the "No" camp in the referendum, Naomi Shaban, was affected by the changes. She was moved from minister of state for special programmes to head the Ministry of gender, children and social development, swapping places with Esther Mathenge.

Sources: Reuters
(Reporting by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Alison Williams)
Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:20pm GMT
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Kibaki, Raila in Cabinet changes

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have swapped seven ministers and nine assistant ministers in a reshuffle of their Grand Coalition Cabinet.
One Assistant Minister - Jackson Kiptanui (ODM, Keiyo South) - appeared to have been the only casualty in the changes.

In the changes, Amos Kimunya moves to the Transport docket, swapping roles with Chirau Ali Mwakwere who now goes to Trade. Mr Mwakwere has been out of the Cabinet after his election as a Member of Parliament for Matuga was nullified, but he successfully fought a by-election.
Prof Hellen Sambili moves from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to be the new Minister for East African Community. At EAC, she replaces Amason Jeffah Kingi who has been moved to Fisheries Development. The former Fisheries Development Minister, Dr Paul Nyongesa Otuoma has been moved to Youth and Sports.

Ms Esther Murugi Mathenge takes over at Special Programmes after being swapped with Dr Naomi Shaban, who now becomes the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Development.
Key Ministers who recently campaigned against the new Constitution - William Ruto (Higher Education) and Samuel Phogisio (Information and Communication) - have not been affected.
The affected Assistant Ministers are Prof Margaret Jepkoech Kamar (Mineral Resources) and Simon Ongari (Trade).
A statement from the President's office said the changes take effect immediately.

By NATION Reporter
Posted Monday, August 16 2010 at 17:52

Kenyans ratify new law

Kenyans have overwhelmingly voted for a new constitution.
The constitution was endorsed by a massive 5 954 767 votes representing 67.2 percent of those who cast their votes.

Those who rejected the draft were 2 687 183 or 30.35 percent.
Releasing the results, IIEC chairman Isaak Hassan said the new constitution had been approved by more 50 percent of all the votes cast apart from garnering more than 45 5 support from all the provinces in the country.

Thus he declared that the proposed new constitution had been ratified.
Hassan commended Kenyans for coming out in large numbers to participate in the referendum and exercise their democratic rights peacefully while respecting those with divergent views.
He said the IIEC had registered more than 12.5 million voters out of which close to 8 million or 71 percent turned out to vote in the referendum.

He commended the government, media and other stakeholders who supported the organization's efforts, singling out the media for carrying out civic education on the process.
Hassan revisited the setting up of the organization as part of the reform process saying the move was aimed at restoring people's confidence in Kenya's electoral process.
The organisation's mandate should cease to exist three months after new constitution or after 24 months whichever comes earlier.

It had been mandated to conduct fresh registration of voters, create new registers, collate data, conduct civic education and carry out a referendum.

Source: KBC
Written By:Rose Kamau
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Mwakwere rallies Coast behind 'Yes'

Buoyed by his recent victory in the Matuga by-election, former Transport Minister Chirau Mwakwere has urged Coast electorate to vote 'Yes' tomorrow.

Mr Mwakwere said the Proposed Constitution will help solve the land problem, while the devolved system of government will ensure resources are channelled to all communities.

The Matuga MP held rallies in Kwale town, Mackinon Road and Kinango.

"I have travelled the length and breadth of this district and I’m confident of a great ‘Yes’ vote. We are optimistic of a resounding victory,’’ said Mwakwere.

The Standard, ( August 2, 2010)
Stories by Patrick Beja, Philip Mwakio and Ngumbao Kithi