27 August 2010Last updated at 12:46

In pictures: Kenyans celebrate new constitution

People chant slogans as they attend the promulgation of the New Constitution at the Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi

Tens of thousands of Kenyans turned out in Nairobi to witness the adoption of a new constitution, more than three weeks after it was overwhelmingly approved in a national referendum.

Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki arrives at the Uhuru Park grounds for his swearing-in as the President of the Republic of Kenya during the promulgation of the new constitution in Nairobi

They came to see President Mwai Kibaki sign the document into law at a large ceremony in the capital's Uhuru Park.

Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki inspects a guard of honour before the promulgation of the new constitution at the Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi

The debate over a new constitution has lasted 20 years, but it was the deadly ethnic violence after the 2007 elections that forced the coalition government to address the issue.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame watches as Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki meets Sudanese President Omar Hassan al Bashir at the promulgation of the New Constitution at the Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi

Other heads of state came to the ceremony including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame (left), who looked on as Mr Kibaki shook the hand of Sudan’s leader, Omar al-Bashir - at the event despite being wanted for war crimes and genocide in Darfur.

Thousand of Kenyans watch Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki on a large screen as he signs the new constitution into law at Uhuru Park in Nairobi

Some have billed the new constitution as the most important political event in Kenya's history since it gained independence from Britain in 1963.

Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki displays the constitution during the promulgation of the new constitution at the Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi

After Mr Kibaki signed his name, he held the document up and there was a huge cheer from the audience.

Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga takes the Oath of Allegiance and due execution of office under the new constitution during the promulgation of the new constitution at the Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi

Afterwards, Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga read his oath of allegiance under the new constitution, which is expected to bring significant changes including a more decentralised political system.

It is hoped that the changes will help bring an end to the ethnic differences that have brought violence to the country in the past.

Africa

In pictures: Kenyans celebrate new constitution

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