“Africa is on
the rise,” proclaimed Uhuru Kenyatta, taking the oath of office on a bible used
by his father Jomo, Kenya‘s first
president after independence from Britain half a century ago. A man accused of crimes against humanity is
now the most powerful person in east Africa.”
Mr
Kenyatta will become the fourth president of Kenya and will be expected to
fully implement the Constitution during his term. I was lucky enough to be in Nairobi-Kenya for the inauguration of President
Uhuru Kenyatta. I didn’t have the
foresight to actually head into town to witness the speech live at Moi International Sports Centre located in Kasarani. Thinking about it now I wish I had of
for the experience but I did the second best thing and what the other 40 million
people did and watched it live on TV. I
have said many times before, I am not into politics, I have never voted and I
really don’t listen to, preach or spread any political message but I do have to
say that both Vice President Ruto and President Kenyatta’s inaugural speeches
were very inspiring and goose bumpy to say the least as I am sure all president
elects first speeches are but I wanted to share some excerpts with you
anyway. The speech invoked the spirit of
sovereignty and nationalism while reaching out to development partners as he
rooted for unity among Kenyans. Mr
Kenyatta sought to adopt a more laidback approach to his speech to deliver his
five-year agenda to the nation. Unlike
his father, who took power in 1963 with the backing of Western nations to
implement his economic policies and land transfer, and Moi who took power in
1978 with tacit approval of Western capitals, Mr Kenyatta has taken over at a
time when most are diplomatically lukewarm towards Kenya. The presence of many African heads of States
at the occasion was symbolic and Mr Kenyatta chose to start his speech by
thanking them for keeping the “Pan-African agenda alive”, a term that is used
to rally African nations to stand in solidarity with each other.
Exerts from the speech by H.E. HON. UHURU KENYATTA, C.G.H.,
PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
DURING HIS INAUGURATION AND SWEARING-IN CEREMONY ON TUESDAY, 9TH APRIL 2013 AT
THE MOI INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX, NAIROBI.
“With
humility and respect, I acknowledge and pay tribute to the memory of my father,
the late founding father of our nation, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. May he, and his
fellow architects of liberation in Kenya and Africa as a whole rest in peace
with the knowledge that this generation is committed to fulfilling their dreams
of for our nation and our continent.”
“I
would like to thank all my worthy opponents in the recently completed
presidential election. Every one of you helped define and make stronger our
democracy. Because of you, Kenyans had real choices. Because of you, Kenyans
felt free to exercise their sovereign will. Thank you all.
In an open and free democracy, there is a vital role for a vibrant opposition
that helps to hold the Government to account. Kenya is such a democracy, and as
President I will respect that role just as I will champion the right of every
Kenyan to speak their mind free of fear of reprisal or condemnation.”
“Fellow
Kenyans,
Our
nation has now successfully navigated the most complex general election in our
history. Our journey began three years ago, with the promulgation of a new
constitution, and ended eleven days ago, with a landmark Supreme Court
decision. Ours has been an unusual story. An unconventional path. We have been
praised and criticized in turn – depending on who was telling our story. Yet
while some watched the unfolding national events with scepticism, resigned to
what they believed was the inevitability of chaos, others, the vast majority,
looked upon our nation with a tempered hope; cheering us on not only because
they believed in us but because they knew that if Kenya succeeded they too
would succeed. For all that has been said of our nation, the records of history
will attest to a number of undeniable facts.
They will outline the long queues we made, the long hours we waited to
vote and the historic voter turnout of these elections. They will detail the
decisions that the Kenyan media made – the professionalism and responsibility
with which they acted. They will remind us of the fact that we embarked on a
feat that few other countries have attempted, holding six elections
simultaneously. They will call our attention to the fact that the youth were
meaningfully engaged in the entire electoral period and that the political
consciousness of Kenyans was at an all-time high.”
“Where
systems failed, Kenyans did not. Where decisions were delayed and ambiguity
prevailed, Kenyans were patient – seeking and waiting for clarity. Where
contentious issues arose to stir up dissent, Kenyans exercised restraint;
peacefully sought redress and submitted themselves again to the constitution
and the rule of law – united in the belief that God’s judgment would guide that
of men.”
“Today,
I am humbled and honoured, honoured to accept the mantle of leadership that the
people of Kenya have bestowed on me. I will lead all Kenyans – those who voted
for me – and those who voted for our competitors – towards a national
prosperity that is firmly rooted in a rich and abiding peace in which unity can
ultimately be realized. Peace is not simply about the absence of violence. It
is defined by the presence of fundamental liberties and the prevalence of
economic opportunities.
We
will not settle for a perfunctory peace that is disrupted every five years by
an election cycle. Rather, we are calling and working towards a permanent
peace, through which democracy is glorified rather than undermined. A peace
that fosters unity.”
“Indeed,
national unity will only be possible if we deal decisively with some of the
issues that continue to hinder our progress. It will come through job creation.
It will be founded on economic growth. It will be strengthened by a globally
competitive education system: by the building of more schools across the nation
and by ensuring that we have well thought out curricula that prepares our
children for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. It will be
upheld when all citizens are able to access affordable healthcare and protect
themselves, and their children, from preventable diseases that still wage war
on our populace.”
“It
will be reflected in our men and women working side by side as equals to move
our country forward. It will be realized when we become a food-secure nation by
investing in and modernizing the agricultural sector by equipping it with the
relevant information and technology that it needs to grow. It will be confirmed
when the rights of all citizens are protected through legislation that upholds
the spirit of our constitution. When women and young people are both seen and
heard at the decision-making table, at national as well as devolved levels of
government. When all communities in Kenya are confident that they have a
Government that listens to and addresses their needs.”
“Achieving
peace and strengthening unity will be the goal of my Government.
This
work begins now. We welcome all Kenyans to hold us to account.”
“Within
the first one hundred days – we will ensure that maternity fees are abolished
and that all citizens of Kenya are able to access government dispensaries and
health centres free of charge. Within the first one hundred days, we will
develop a framework to direct the 6 billion Kenya Shillings previously
allocated for the election run-off towards establishing a new Youth and Women
Fund that will be open to the youth and women from every part of this country.
Within the first one hundred days, we will put measures in place to ensure that
all students, joining class one next year, within the public school system
receive a laptop. We made a promise to our children and we will keep it because
we believe that early exposure to technology will inspire future innovation and
be a catalyst for growth and prosperity.”
“Fellow
Kenyans,
One
of the biggest challenges to national unity is the feeling of exclusion in the
decision making process, hence our desire and need for devolution. That
notwithstanding, my commitment to Kenya is that our national Government shall
and will reflect the true face of Kenya, with the clear understanding that as
we bring decision making and services closer to the people, the integrity and
solidarity that binds us as citizens of one nation, must not only remain, but
must be strengthened.
I
am equally committed to ensuring that interests of women and the interests of
young people are represented in my government. A department in my office will
be dedicated to ensuring that the interests of these groups not only inform
every decision I make as President, but also those of every department and
government ministry. Our doors will always be open. We will never turn a deaf
ear to the needs of any person or group.
We will leave no community behind.”
“Fellow
Kenyans,
To
achieve these goals and to achieve Vision 2030, we must be responsible stewards
of our natural resources. In light of this – my commitment and the commitment
of the Government will be to support the National Land Commission as they seek
to provide the land answer. My government will strive to work with all actors
to ensure that the issue of land will never again be a contentious or a
divisive subject but rather that land will be seen as what it truly is, a
factor of production.
I
also promise that we will exploit our natural resources in a way that benefits
the current generation while safeguarding the interests of generations to come.
I want to assure all Kenyans that we shall use all the money that comes from
natural resources for development programs.”
“Fellow
Kenyans,
We
will ensure that the harmony we are striving for extends to the environment. It
is our heritage. It is our duty as guardians and custodians of that heritage to
protect it for future generations. Indeed, my government will strike a decisive
blow against all those that threaten it. My fellow Kenyans, poaching and the
destruction of our environment has no future in this country. The
responsibility to protect our environment belongs not just to the Government,
but to each and every one of us. We will do all this, and more. Where there is
uncertainty, we will revive confidence in the government’s ability to protect its
citizens. Where there is disillusionment – we will restore hope. Where there is
opportunity denied – we will open new frontiers, and through our actions, we
will renew our faith in government as an instrument of good. Let me reiterate that even as we work
together to promote inclusion, open new frontiers and create new opportunities,
we will not tolerate those who continue to threaten the peace and security of
our citizens. Criminals, cattle rustlers, drug barons and agents of terror, who
disrupt the peace of our society, will be met with the full force of the law
and the strength of Kenya’s Security Forces. On this matter, we are resolute. To our men and women in uniform, I say, this
nation is indebted to you. You continue
to lay down your lives in service, protecting Kenyans from threats both
external and internal. My government will continue to work with you and do all
that is in its power to support you as you continue in your noble duty.”
“To
our sister countries in the region – we understand that our future is joined to
yours. Our peace is linked to the security and stability of the region. We
deployed our armed forces to Somalia because terrorism and piracy affects all
of us. Indeed in the last two decades, Kenya has invested immense diplomatic energy
and resources in the quest for a stable Somalia. Our commitment to fight
terrorism and eradicate piracy will remain a central pillar of my government’s
policy on peace and security.”
“My
fellow Kenyans
The
future of Kenya depends not only on our National Unity but also on deepening
our bonds with our brothers and sisters in East Africa and Africa as a whole.
It is with this unity that we will prosper and truly deliver on the promise of
independence and liberation from our colonial past. As Kenya celebrates its
Jubilee year of freedom and independence, Africa too marks slightly over 50
years since the fall of colonialism. The breakaway from colonialism has not
been easy. Indeed it has been fraught with great challenges and setbacks.
Without fail however, the trajectory of our recent history, in Kenya as in
Africa, has been one of great hope, renewed progress and palpable
determination. Africa, Ladies and Gentlemen, is on the rise. Kenya sees herself
as an integral part of this exciting awakening. The great renaissance spoken of
a mere 20 years ago is upon us. Across the continent evidence of renewal and
growth is everywhere, built on the bedrock of rising self-confidence, a growing
educated, youthful population and God given abundance of natural wealth and
resources.”
“To
the Nations of Africa and The African Union – we assure you that in Kenya, you
will continue to have a partner and an ally. If we stand together in solidarity
I am confident that we will find the strength to thrive and innovate solutions
that work for us. Of course, we join you in continuing to insist on relating
with all nations as equals – not juniors.
As partners, not subordinates. In our history as nations, we have seen
some of the most ardent promoters of ideals of national sovereignty and
democracy sometimes fail to live by the principles they espouse, but let us
remember that their failure does not justify ours.”
“To
the nations of the world – we acknowledge that in this age of globalization,
all of us are interdependent. Our economies are interconnected as indeed are
our people. I pledge to continue cultivating the relationships we have had with
our traditional trade partners and I say to all developing and developed
nations who desire a deeper and more mutually beneficial relationship with
Kenya: we are ready for partnerships, we are open for business and we invite
you to invest in our country. I also want to remind the International Community
that for the last fifty years, Kenya has been one of the most engaged members
and one of the most prolific co-authors of international treaties and
instruments.”
“Fellow
Kenyans,
Today,
work begins. The time has come, not to ask what community we come from but
rather what dreams we share. The time has come not to ask what political party
we belong to but rather what partnerships we can build. The time has come to ask, not who we voted
for, but what future we are devoted to. Fellow Kenyans we must move forward
together. Let us remember that although we are may not be bound together by
ethnicity, or cultural practices or religious conviction – our kinship rests
solidly upon the fact that we have all been adopted by Kenya’s borders; we are
all children of this nation, we are all bound to one constitution which calls
us to rise above our individual ideologies and march to our national anthem. That anthem reminds us of the fundamental
principles upon which our prosperity must be built. It calls us to reflect on
the power of peace; to recall the supreme value of freedom; to believe, once
more, in the beauty of service and brotherhood; to aspire each day, to the
dignity that results from hard work, and to contend for the hope that justice
brings.”
“Brothers
and sisters; Fellow Kenyans – let us move forward, together, in the spirit of
our anthem and in the spirit of our constitution being confident that if we
turn neither to the left nor to the right of our national values, we, as a
people, will see the promised land of prosperity that our forbearers set out
for.”
“God bless you, God bless the Republic of Kenya and God bless
Africa.”
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