Leaders congratulate Obama on his re-election

By Joylene Sing'oei

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga led leaders in sending congratulatory messages to US President Barack Obama on his re-election.

In his message, President Kibaki said the re-election was a re-affirmation of the confidence the American people have in President Obama’s leadership skills.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey our congratulations to you, for your well deserved victory. I commend the American people for showing their confidence in your leadership. Kenya, as always, is proud of our association with you. We look forward to the deepening of relations between our two countries during your second term in office”. read part of President Kibaki’s message.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga also congratulated Obama on his re-election as president of the United States.

In a statement, Raila said Obama’s re-election will reignite faith worldwide, but especially in Africa, in the restorative capacity of democracy to deliver change and discard entrenched divisions.

Deputy Prime Ministers Musalia Mudavadi and Uhuru Kenyatta also sent their congratulations . Mudavadi congratulated Obama saying he deserved the win for a second term after fighting hard to win against all predictions of the odds stacked against him.

‘’He has made history as one of a few sitting presidents to be re-elected in America against a background of a poorly performing economy. His resilience is a lesson in how to turn adversity into opportunity’’, read part of Musalia’s statement.

He also congratulated Mitt Romney for competing maturely and conceding loss in the most polite manner.

Uhuru on his part congratulated Obama for his re-election and to the people of America for exercising their democratic right to choose in what was a closely contested race.

Kenya National Congress presidential aspirant Peter Kenneth sent his congratulation message to Obama saying he is proud of his achievements and commitment to issues.

‘’Many lessons for us to learn and replicate from the US elections’’, he said.