wfn.org | ACNS3256 Kenya experiences smooth transition

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3256     |     KENYA     |     15 JANUARY 2003

Kenya experiences smooth transition

by Justus Waimiri
CAPA Communications Officer

On 27 December 2002, the General Election in Kenya and subsequent transfer
of power was an enormous success, thanks to millions of Christians who
prayed for a peaceful transition.

Emilio Mwai Kibaki, 71, is now Kenya's third President after Mr Daniel Arap
Moi relinquished power after 24 years as Head of State and Government. It is
the first time that a sitting president has relinquished power and handed it
to a political opponent.

President Kibaki took his oath in a wheelchair after a serious motor
accident recently. His party, National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), unseated
the ruling party Kanu, which has formed government since independence 40
years ago.

Kenyans filled churches for New Year Services and thanked God for the
transition, which many had predicted would be violent. At the Anglican All
Saints' Cathedral in Nairobi, Commonwealth Election Observers also turned up
for the service and expressed joy at the mature way in which Kenyans had
conducted themselves during the campaigns and balloting.

In his election campaign, President Kibaki promised to revive the economy,
which has experienced a downturn in the last decade. He also pledged free
primary education to all children and affordable heath care.

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