I thank all those who have remained vigilant in prayer for our nation during this time. I want to thank the people of the republic of Kenya who have shown patience over the last few days as we all awaited the outcome of this election. I thank the thousands of officials who worked with the IEBC to make this, the most free and most fair general election in our nation’s history. Despite the challenges that you faced, you managed to keep the trust of Kenyans and to do your job professionally.
While we look forward to a day when electoral results are relayed in real-time to curb anxiety, we acknowledge that every process can be refined and I pledge to give you my support as you seek more efficient ways to conduct future elections. I would also like to acknowledge and thank the police and all security agencies for their diligence and commitment to ensuring security.
I would especially like to acknowledge the Kenyans who lost their lives on the eve of the elections. They made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives, in the name of democracy. To the families of those who lost their loved ones, I offer my sincere condolences and I assure you that I, and the people of Kenya are standing with you in prayer.
The incidents that took the lives of our officers are a reminder that security remains one of the biggest challenges to our nation. It is unacceptable to see the lives of Kenyans lost so senselessly. As we move forward, I pledge to keep the issue of national security high on our agenda.
To the Kenyan media – you have shown remarkable responsibility as this country’s fourth estate. You have shown sensitivity in the dissemination of news and impartiality in your treatment of the results. You have no doubt helped to keep the country calm.
We are grateful for this, and we will continue to consider you our true partners as we embark on our journey. To the presidential candidates – I salute you all. Thank you for all that you have contributed to ensuring a robust democratic process. I in particular want to single out my brother, Raila Odinga, for his spirited campaign. I know that all the candidates have made tremendous personal sacrifices for the progress of our country and I welcome them to join us in moving our nation forward. My fellow Kenyans today, we celebrate the triumph of democracy; the triumph of peace; the triumph of nationhood.
Despite the misgivings of many in the world, we demonstrated a level of political maturity that surpassed expectations.
We dutifully turned out; we voted in peace; we upheld order and respect for the rule of law and maintained the fabric of our society. That is the real victory today. It is a victory for our nation. A victory that shows that finally, Kenya has come of age. This indeed is Kenya’s moment.
Today, I am honored and humbled that in a free and fair election, you the people of Kenya, have placed your trust in me to lead our nation as your next President. I am here because of you. I am here because of the unyielding support of millions of Kenyans, from all walks of life, from every corner of our nation, who sacrificed their time, energy and resources to make this campaign a success.
Throughout this process you, the people, have remained unwavering in your belief not only in me but in the possibility of a stronger, more prosperous Kenya that has room for all our hopes and aspirations. I am here because of the Jubilee secretariat who have worked tirelessly throughout this campaign period. Last and not least, I am here because of my family: My wife, Margaret; our children and all the members of my family, this has taken a heavy toll on them and I thank them for their patience and support. However, this is has never been about me, this has been about you, about the people of Kenya. You have put your faith not in one man but in a team.
In our Deputy President –Elect Hon William Ruto; a man with a proven track record, who has demonstrated to all of us, his ability to both speak and act with unmatched zeal and energy. You put your trust in my sister, Charity Ngilu and my brother, Najib Balala both of whom have remained committed to serving the people and putting our nation first.
You put your trust in TNA, URP and the wider Jubilee family.
And because you gave us this trust, I am proud to say that the majority of women who were elected to parliament come from the Jubilee Coalition – a fact that demonstrates the commitment that our Coalition has to supporting women and to supporting the full implementation of the constitutional provisions designed to ensure gender parity.
We are a team
I want to say to all the Jubilee aspirants — those who won, and especially, those who did not – that you have done your parties, and this coalition proud. Your dedication, to the ideals that the Jubilee Coalition represents has been an inspiration to me. We came together as a team, and we will continue to work together as a team for the good of all the people of Kenya. However, today is about much more than one Coalition or Party.
It is about all Kenyans: those of you who voted Jubilee and those who did not. My pledge to you is that as your President, I will work on behalf of all citizens regardless of political affiliation. I will honour the will of Kenyans and ensure that my Government protects their rights and acts without fear or favour in the interests of our nation. To all those who won various seats – regardless of what party or coalition you may belong to, let us remember that we are all Kenyans, and that Kenyans have bestowed upon us the responsibility to work for them. I extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to you so that together, we can truly serve the Kenyan people.
In the nearly five decades since independence, we have made great strides as a nation. Kenya has experienced huge success but there have also been enduring problems. In the last 10 years under the Presidency of Mwai Kibaki, we have begun to overcome many of the challenges we have faced as a nation. We are indebted to his leadership and grateful for the services he has rendered to our country. As I assume office, my task, and the task before us all is to secure the gains we have made while focusing on solving the challenges that remain.
My fellow Kenyans, the elections are now over.
While we celebrate today, let us bear in mind that this, in itself, is not an end; it is a beginning and there is work to be done. That work begins with all of us taking personal responsibility for the future of our country, the inheritance of our children.
It begins with all of us returning to our jobs, to our businesses; to our farms – and continuing in the daily decisions that will determine the course of Kenya’s future. I promise to do my part, but I need every Kenyan to play their part as well. I pledge that my Government will play its role both here in Kenya, and as part of the international community. To our brothers and sisters in the region and in Africa as a whole we appreciate your support and encouragement before, during and after the elections. This is the true spirit of Africa. We look forward to playing our rightful role in the region and in the continent. The African star is shining brightly and the destiny of Africa is in our hands.
To the nations of the world I give you my assurances that I and my team understand that Kenya is part of the community of nations and while we are, first and foremost, servants of the Kenyan people, we recognise and accept our international obligations and we will continue to co-operate with all nations and international institutions – in line with those obligations.
However, we also expect that the international community will respect our sovereignty and the democratic will of the people of Kenya. Indeed it is the desire of the people of Kenya to be a nation that is at peace with itself, at peace with her neighbours, at peace with our continent and at peace with the world at large.
We will pursue this ideal – upholding the values enshrined in our constitution and continuing in the spirit embodied in the words of our national anthem: “Oh God of all creation?
Bless this land and nation, Justice be our shield and defender? May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty Plenty be found within our borders.”
Thank you,
God bless you
And God bless the Republic of Kenya.
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