I would like to reserve my special thanks for the countless Kenyans who went of out of their way to popularize the ODM message of faster development, equality and real change. Without such civic voluntarism nothing substantive can be achieved. 

It is shame that some of these patriotic Kenyans were forced to vigilantly guard against rigging of the election. Though we celebrate such gallant vigilance, security is and should remain the preserve of government. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the immediate former president, His Excellency Mwai Kibaki for the manner he conducted his re-election campaign and of equal importance, the dignified way in which he ensured peaceful and orderly transfer of power. 

Kenyans have emphatically spoken. This time they are expecting real change. Five years ago, we gathered here to mark the end of KANU's tyrannical hold on our lives. Kenyans are here today to mark a generational change; change both in style and substance of the governance of our young nation. They are here to put an end to business as usual. The third liberation is now officially underway. 

As we witness this peaceful transition of power, we remain united in our collective resolve to safeguard our peace and independence; we are here today not as members of certain communities but as Kenyans. Let there be no one who tell off another Kenyan on the basis of their electoral preference. The campaign period is over. 

This very constitutional ceremony is a testimony in itself of the great length we have traveled in developing our democracy.  We have had our share of sad and regrettable events. 

We are however not here to lament but rather to celebrate our resilience, our unwavering determination to wither all trials that come our way and remain united. 

In our perseverance, we as Kenyans have never lost hope; we have never ceased to dream that we can employ our collective effort to build a freer, responsive and decent nation; we have not lost the dream of untangling ourselves from the yoke of abject poverty and repressive government. 

As demonstrated in the last two elections, we no longer accept anything short of responsiveness and purposefulness in our government. The electoral result clearly indicates that we are no longer a nation that slavishly accepts excuses from their governors. We are a nation that has come of age; a nation that is cognisant of her problems and confident of her abilities and refuses to settle for less than optimal performance. 

This is a victory not to be taken lightly. It is a statement of intent on the part of Kenyans. Kenyans now want more from their government; they want value for money for their taxes; they demand equality and respect of their rights; they insist on ethical and constitutional governance.

Kenyans demand their parliament to get its act together; the judiciary to be more efficient and reliable and the executive be adequately checked. These changes require thorough revision of both the letter and spirit of our laws. We promise delivery of such changes and we intend to see them through.

It is time we restore faith in politics in general and democracy in particular. The Executive powers require to be brought in line with the reality of our democracy. We cannot continue with an Executive that is reminiscent of tyrannical dictatorships.

Parliament must regain its central position. It needs to demonstrate its utility to Kenyans; it should be seen to be working for the general good not for its members. There is a general cynicism about what members of parliament do apart from earning huge salaries. This cannot go on as it is detrimental to the health of our democracy.

The centrality of rule of law in safe guarding of human rights and ensuring economic development requires that we move with speed to sort out the mess in our judiciary. We will move fast to strengthen its independence and internal efficacy.

The civil service needs nothing short of re-branding to change its image of indolence and corruption. A considered revision of its approaches, structures and administration will be undertaken to ensure that it conforms to our need to achieve sustained economic development. 

In the last few months, I had the opportunity to interact with fellow Kenyans in different corners of our country. These experiences were both humbling and inspiring. We learnt that poverty is as widespread as the resolve to seek change. 

The solemn duty of my government is to steer this nation in a course toward realizing real change; Change in the way we govern ourselves; Change in the way we expend our meager resources; and most importantly change in the way we relate to one another as a nation. 

My government will be a government in a hurry. We will rush to grab all available opportunities to effect the changes that Kenyans are yearning for. It will be an inclusive and representative government that rest on the knowledge that Kenyans are ready to trek the hard road to a better future. We intend to keep our promises and better them as we embark on the journey to a new Kenya.

This will not be a government of revenge and witch hunt; we will not seek to settle personal scores but rather we will seek to redress major economic crimes with the view of reclaiming what is rightfully due to the common. It will not be a government that seeks to extend its control for its own sake but one that will endear itself to Kenyans through effective and equitable development, entrenched democracy and rule of law.

Amongst our central promises to the Kenyan has been our intention to bring government closer to people and ensure equitable distribution of resources. There has been notable misrepresentation as to what this will entail. Let me assure you that this government is not intending to balkanize Kenyans into tribal Bantustans. Kenya is and will always remain for all Kenya irrespective of their tribal origin, faith or present locality. 

While pursuing her domestic goals, Kenya will continue to play her role in the community of nation; our relationship with the rest of the world will be rooted in our common interest and moral responsibilities. We will abide by the irreducible minimums of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and economic independence in all our international interactions. 

We will approach global challenges with considered determination and zeal; we will not loose focus on our regional responsibilities as we seek new approaches to old problems. Kenya will work hard to further the goals of the East Africa community and will not forsake her neighbours who are in turmoil.   

It is with due humility and a great sense of gratitude that I stand before you as your newly and duly elected president. I am fully aware of the magnitude of expectations and responsibilities that I took upon my shoulders upon taking the oath of office that you witnessed. As I promised during the campaign period, I once again assure you that I will not pass the buck. I am your president and I will account for my government.

I seek your prayers and support in realizing our shared vision for the future. Work begins after these celebrations. Together we will strive to make a better Kenya for one and all.

Thank You.

Ahmed Aideed

Dreaming in Namanga