David Mugonyi and Dave Opiyo
31 December 2007
Nairobi — President Kibaki Sunday asked his opponents in the just-concluded General Election to accept the outcome which he described as 'credible'.
Speaking immediately after being sworn in at State House Nairobi, he said: "I call upon all candidates and Kenyans in general to accept the verdict of the people.
"I thank the ECK, security agents, observers and all other players for remaining committed to the conduct of honest, orderly and credible elections that have enabled the true verdict of the people to prevail."
President Kibaki appealed to his opponents to put aside their differences for the benefit of the country.
And he reiterated that he was humbled for being re-elected by Kenyans as the Head of State for a second term, saying this exhibited the trust they had in him.
President Kibaki pledged to serve all Kenyans equally irrespective of whom they voted for in the polls.
He described the elections as free and fair, saying the just concluded elections and the referendum two years ago demonstrated not only to the continent, but also to the world that Kenyans were politically mature and capable of nurturing and upholding democracy.
President Kibaki revealed that he would soon constitute a Government of clean hands to represent the face of Kenya and complete the constitutional review process.
Face of Kenya
"As I pledged to Kenyans during the campaigns, I will shortly form a clean hands Government that represents the face of Kenya. The new PNU Government will incorporate the affiliate parties as well as other friendly parties. I also pledge to ensure that our young people and women are fully represented in all public appointments."
The President admitted that the elections were closely contested and commended his main challengers - Mr Raila Odinga of the ODM and Mr Kalonzo Musyoka of ODM Kenya - for mature campaigns in the run-up to the elections.
He commended the huge turnout by the youths in the electoral process, saying this was a clear sign of a vibrant and democratic culture.
The President spoke after taking two oaths, one to protect the country and the other to defend the Constitution.
He was sworn in at 6.35pm by Chief Justice Evan Gicheru after ECK chairman Samuel Kivuitu declared him the duly elected President.
The President said it was time for healing and reconciliation among all Kenyans now that the elections were over.
He said he will personally lead the country in promoting unity, tolerance, peace and harmony among all Kenyans and appealed to all political and religious leaders to do the same.
The Presidential inauguration ceremony will be held on January 7 and thereafter the Government would start delivering on the promises and pledges it made.
He said his re-election showed that Kenyans had given his Government a vote of confidence in the ideals it started five years ago.
He declared today a public holiday.
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