News
Kibaki salutes new US leader
Local musician Jua Cali urges Vice president Kalonzo Musyoka for a dance to the podium during the launching of the Kenya Change Generation Campaign at Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi on Tuesday. PHOTO/STEPHEN MUDIARI
Posted Tuesday, January 20 2009 at 22:14
In Summary
- President confident that Obama will succeed in making world a better place
President Kibaki on Tuesday said Mr Barack Obama’s inauguration as US President would inspire hope in millions of people around the world.
He said he was confident Mr Obama would succeed in making the world a better place.
In a congratulatory message to Mr Obama, who was sworn in as America’s 44th President, Mr Kibaki said: “Through that journey you have inspired many young and old people not only in America, but around the world, with a strong message of hope.”
Mr Kibaki praised President Obama for his journey of courage and message of the audacity of hope.
Bilateral ties
“In that message you outlined the values and principles of freedom, equality and change that you have always championed,” he added.
“As you commence your first term in office, I am confident that you will succeed in making the United States, and indeed the world, a better place for humanity,” he said.
“We, the people of Kenya, cherish the many years of bilateral ties with America and look forward to even stronger relations in areas that are mutually beneficial to our two countries.”
Mr Kibaki pledged support for Mr Obama as he embarked on the national and international obligations that come with the responsibilities of US President.
Elsewhere, Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Tuesday congratulated Mr Obama, urging him to support democracy across the world.
“My wish is for President Obama to support democracy, democratic institutions and democratic transfer of power across the world.
“I hope that President Obama will help strengthen civil society organisations that are involved in efforts to uplift their nations,” Mr Odinga said.
He said President Obama comes in after generations of civil rights activists pushed for fairness and equality among the races.
“I also have no doubt that President Obama will be equal to all the other tasks ahead,” the PM said.
He cited tasks that include uniting the polarised world, giving hope to the hopeless, encouraging diplomacy in conflicts and fair trade among nations.
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Submitted by abobo1227Posted January 22, 2009 08:40 PM
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Submitted by kenmare69
Andre2007, that was a minor flap and it was Justice Roberts’ fault, not Obama’s. The US constitution has laid down 35 specific words that constitute the presidential oath of office. Traditionally, these words are spoken in the order they have been written but during Obama’s swearing-in, Justice Roberts fumbled on the sequence of the words; that’s what caused the flap. And that means the joke is on you, Andre.
Posted January 22, 2009 06:09 PM -
Submitted by iko711
Kibaki, like every one else has a right to congratulate president Obama, however, he has no moral authority to talk about democracy.African presidents are known to have the habit of imposing themselves upon the helpless citizens. Am hoping Kibaki and his troupe learnt a lesson from this
Posted January 22, 2009 06:00 PM -
Submitted by somoinaa
That anyone can seek to rationalise the violence death and destruction visited upon poor defenseless peasant farmers and urban poor early last year, with the justifications that an election was stolen without giving any credibly superficial evidence, is utterly reprehensible to myself and many kenyans. What can those that trumphet this silly idea show for the presence of the ODM brigade in Government for the last 10months? Has Agenda Kenya moved any inch forward?
Posted January 22, 2009 05:53 PM -
Submitted by Wanjiku98
What are we doing to ensure that we overcome our problems? How does it feel to complain about Kibaki and Raila incessantly? For me i feel daft keeping on bringing Kibaki, Raila, ODM and PNU to every blog. When are we going to learn from our past and stop these blame games. 99.99% of all the problems in Kenya is due to foolish citizens. This was an American function and anybody who wanted had a right to congratulate Obama. You all get a life. Either improve Kenya in your own small little way or shut up.
Posted January 22, 2009 05:32 PM
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Andre2007 get some little eduaction before you post illiterate comments. Watching the swearing-in ceremony well, did you notice who made the gaffe. Did you notice Obama pausing for a number of seconds and instantly reflecting on the new rearrangement of wording the chief justice had used? So before you start showering him with names, get your education right.