Historical, personal similarities should shape Obama, Uhuru Kenyatta relations

Next week, two men of Kenyan origin meet in Washington as presidents for the first time. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya, represents the aspirations and interests of Kenyans while Barack Obama, President of the United States represents the interests of the Americans. There are striking similarities between the two countries and presidents but there are also differences pertaining to attitudes and policies. People in both countries, Ambassador Johnny Carson and I agreed after a radio debate refereed by former Deputy Speaker Farah Mohammed, tend to be arrogant. The meeting should help to sort out the differences that are essentially minor compared to the similarities between proud peoples.

Country similarities bring them close. First, both countries fought British colonialism to attain “liberty” roughly 200 years apart and despite numerous setbacks, eventually succeeded in achieving independence. Second, their first presidents, George Washington for the US and Jomo Kenyatta for Kenya, were towering political figures commanding immense authority before they assumed office. Each determined the direction that their countries would follow and appeared to be pragmatic on international matters.