27 Aug 2010

Promulgation: Live SMS Reports from Uhuru Park

KiN Reports

12:52pm - The VIPs start leaving the Uhuru Park venue starting with heads of State.. President Kibaki will be hosting a State luncheonn for them later at State House.

12:45pm - Dignitaries get doves, and they are now ready to release them. Balloons in the colour of the national flag are also released as a sign of the new dawn.

12:43pm - President Kibaki is through with his speech. HE fails to offer an off the cuff speech and only utters ‘Asanteni sana na Mungu awabariki. The orderly asks Kenyans to sing the National Anthem to mark the end of the ceremony.

12:37pm - Kibaki: With the new constitution, we must change approach to politics. He gives an example of the new counties, which, "need support of all Kenyans to develop all corners of the country."

12.24pm Prime Minister Raila Odinga invites President Kibaki to read his speech and Kibaki pays tribute to all Kenyans that suffered for the sake of the country and describes it as the rebirth of a nation. Tanzania is represented by Zanzibari President Sheikh Abeid Karume

12:24pm - It is now the turn for President Kibaki to speak.

12:17pm - Raila switches to Kiswahili. It is noteworthy that the new law recognises the language as an official language. His message is the same - that 'the time has come.'

12.07pm - Prime Minister Raila Odinga delivers his speech and likes it to a race in ancient Greece. The crowd cheers on as Raila pauses in his speech. He says today marks the end of one journey, to the beginning of another. He says August 4th will be a historic day when 'we formed a more united Kenya.' Says nobody could have thought that after the violence, this could have happened. "We close a chapter in our history"

He saluted past Kenyan independence heroes who had sacrificed their lives for the new Kenya. He dedicates this supreme law to his predecessors like Pio Gama Pinto, JM Kariuki, Masinde Muliro, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenneth Matiba, Wangari Maathai and others "who sacrificed to make today a reality."

12.00 noon - Speeches begin with Kalonzo Musyoka congratulating Kenya on the promulgation of the new constitution. ‘HONGERA TENA SANA’ he says.
This day marks the beginning of our renaissance, Mr Musyoka added.

11.50 am - Statehouse choir of 120 members joins local leading performing artists in performing the song , Kenya, My Kenya,’ written by Achieng Abura.

11:45am - And singer Eric Wainaina sings Daima Kenya, the song that became almost like an anthem during Kenya's post-election violence period in 2008. The song urges Kenyans to be patriotic and united.

11:42am - First LadyLucy Kibaki is visibly entertained. She is seen standing and dancing along to the song Taunet ne lel .(A new beginning). Some other dignitaries at the dais do the same. Perhaps only Kofi Annan, President Kibaki and retired President Moi did not rise

11:39am - Time for Gospel singer Emmy Kosgei as she entertains the Uhuru Park multitudes. Orange Democratic Movement deputy head William Ruto sings along to the song

11:33am - As the entertainment session continues at the promulgation venue, the reality Kenyans must think of the long journey it has been to this point. These images illustrate Kenya's journey to new law.

11:30 am -The promulgation ceremony is being translated to Kenya Sign Language for the deaf Kenyans to partake in the historic ceremony.

11:17am: Looks like Sudan's President Bashir presence here in Kenya has not been received well by Human Rights Watch. The organisation says: "Kenya should bar Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir from entering Kenya or arrest him for trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) if he enters Kenyan territory.” See story here.

11.16 am - A team of Kenyan athletes led by 4x 400 metres champion Robert Ouko and followed by Kenyan cultural dancers from Coast Province

11: 15am - Time for entertainment.
There are 1,005 students from schools in all 210 constituencies dressed in the colours of the national flag matching past.

11.12 am -There is also a trailer from the Agricultural Society of Kenya represented by Kenya Meat Commission and the new Kenya Cooperative Creameries

11.10 am - Trailers bearing workers simulating the construction of houses are also part of the display here. They are constructing a new house symbolizing the making of the new Kenya. Central Organisation Trade Union is behind this.

11.07 am - Puma helicopters trailing banners bearing the words,’ GOD BLESS KENYA,’
There shall be no fly pasts because of the hazy weather

11.01 am - Armoured Personnel Carriers, battle tanks and Humvees roll by. There is little chance they will ever be used in actual war, but every nation appreciates the role the army plays. It is the first time the Kenyan public is seeing this war machinery. Amazing stuff!!
Retired President Moi is seated a few steps behind President Kibaki.The old man must miss such occasions

10:58 am - A spectacular display by the Armed forces.
20th Para Battalion matches past the dais followed by Regular and Administration Police and the Paramilitary General Service Unit.

10.56 am The President to salute the guard of honour mounted by the Armed Forces as the Band plays on.

10:56 am - Martha Karua tweets: "The vice president now takes oath amidst shouts of yes no but finally he gets applause#promfriday"

10.54am -President Kibaki and his wife Lucy Kibaki chat happily. He is perhaps reminding her of 2002.

No comments: