KIGALI - Close to one hundred Kenyans gathered at Laico Umubano Hotel yesterday to celebrate the new Kenyan constitution.

The constitution was promulgated in a colorful ceremony presided over by President Mwai Kibaki, in the presence of several Heads of States, including President Paul Kagame.

The Kenyan High Commissioner in Rwanda, Rose Makena Muchiri, who was out of the country on official duty, was represented by Harriet Nduma, the Kenyan Deputy Head of Mission.

Speaking to the guests, t Nduma said that the new constitution is an African miracle that eludes colonial and political oppression to unite Kenyans in a way that the previous constitution had failed to do.

"The old constitution was more or less a symbol of both British colonialism and political oppression, but with the new constitution today, we can proudly say that this is a new beginning for us,” Nduma said.

She added that approval of the new constitution demonstrated that Kenya is a nation of open-mindedness and with people who are determined to listen to diverse views in pursuit of sustainable democracy and development.

"The just proclaimed law will enable Kenyans to live in peace, unity and in a republic that embraces integrity so as to safeguard the wellbeing of the people of Kenya,” she said.

She reminded the Kenyans of the post-election violence that happened in 2007, saying that Kenya had resurrected from the ashes to create a new nation that protects people and promotes democracy.

"Kenyans will henceforth be governed under a democratic system of government that guarantees good governance, respect of the constitution, the rule of law, human rights, gender equality and affirmative action.”

She also applauded the healthy and fraternal friendship that exists between Rwanda and Kenya.

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