Kenyans celebrate victory

A BIG number of Kenyans in Namibia, and their Namibian friends, gathered in Windhoek on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the promulgation of the country’s new constitution.

Kenya’s new constitution was declared official in Nairobi on Friday at a colourful event presided over by President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.The outgoing Kenyan High Commissioner to Namibia, Rose Jebiwott Boit, described the adoption of the new constitution as a victory for Kenya and for many who fought long and hard for a new dispensation that reflects Kenyans’ hopes and aspirations.She said the new constitution guarantees peace, national unity and the integrity of the country, in order to safeguard the well-being of the people of Kenya. It establishes a free and democratic system of Government that ensures good governance, constitutional order, the rule of law, human rights and gender equity, said Boit.She said the successful and peaceful conclusion of the referendum held on August 4 shows that Kenya’s institutions have come of age, and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission conducted the referendum in a transparent and efficient manner.Notable faces at Saturday’s celebration were well-known Kenyans, aviation expert Onyango Waryaro, attached to Namibia’s Directorate of Civil Aviation, environmental consultant Dr Harrison Kojwang, and accountant Joe Mulwa.Some Ambassadors and High Commissioners also attended the event, which was held at Boit’s Klein Windhoek residence.Boit said as Kenyans in the diaspora, they should be proud that due to their relentless pressure, the new constitution allows dual citizenship. Born Kenyans do not lose their citizenship by becoming a citizen of another country and everyone who lost it is entitled to re-acquire it, she said.The Kenyan diplomat said citizenship can be acquired by marriage to a citizen for seven years. She called on Kenyans in the diaspora to prepare to play part in the new Kenya that has been ushered in through the new constitution.

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