PRESIDENT Barrack Obama has finally sent a congratulatory message to
President elect Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto, six days since the
Supreme Court upheld their victory.
"Now that your election has been confirmed, you have the opportunity to
build on the promise of Kenya's Constitution and solidify its place as a
vibrant and prosperous democracy centered on the rule of law," Obama said.
The congratulatory message was delivered to Uhuru at his KICC office by the
US ambassador Robert Godec. Meanwhile it has now emerged that the British and
American ambassadors will attend his inaugauration at Kasarani on Tuesday even
though they still have a policy of 'no non-essential contact' with ICC
indictees.
Obama further noted that the USA and Kenya have been strong partners united
by a shared commitment to democracy. "Together we have faced many problems
and solved many challenges and our cooperation has benefited both of our
peoples" he added.
American Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnny Carson, who
has just retired, caused a storm in February when he warned that Kenya could
face "consequences" after the election. Carson was clarifying an
earlier statement by Obama that the Kenyan people were free to choose.
In the meeting yesterday, Uhuru emphasised that Kenya regards the US as a
valuable development partner in addressing regional challenges including
terrorism, insecurity, money laundering and piracy.
Uhuru said he looked forward to strengthening the ties between Kenya and the
US. Uhuru expressed his commitment to constructive engagements between the
democratically elected leaders.
He said that his administration looked forward to continued cooperation with
the international community to consolidate peace in Somalia. On the domestic
front, Uhuru said the immediate priority of his government would be uniting the
people of Kenya.
Outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister Prof Sam Ongeri, Foreign Affairs PS Thuita
Mwangi and Internal Security PS Mutea Iringo were among senior government
officials in attendance.
The US said on Thursday that ambassador Godec will represent Obama at
Kasarani on Tuesday. According to the The Daily Telegraph, Christian Turner,
the UK High Commissioner in Nairobi, will now also attend.
"There've been a lot of meetings and phone calls and now it has been
decided that 'essential contact only' includes attending the
inauguration," a European diplomat was quoted as saying.
"I understand it's felt that there would be more of a stink if
Christian doesn't go than if he does, and Britain really wants to avoid being
singled out as a troublemaker from the get-go,"the Telegraph quoted
another diplomat.
Turner apparently lobbied the Foreign Office for permission to attend,
arguing that it was crucial for Britain to attend the event. As of yesterday,
14 African heads of states have confirmed attendance to the inauguration to be
held at Kasarani Sports Centre including Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Yoweri
Museveni of Uganda, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. The
presidents will start arriving this weekend.
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