Raila Odinga says Scotland referendum relevant to Kenya, congratulates PM David Cameron

NAIROBI, KENYA: Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has sent a congratulatory message to British Prime Minister David Cameron and the people of Scotland for a successful referendum.

Scotland on Friday chose to stay in the United Kingdom, spurning independence in a historic referendum that had worried allies and investors, results showed on Friday with more than two thirds of the vote declared.

Supporters of the United Kingdom have won 54 percent of the vote, according to Reuters calculations, and that share could climb. The independence camp conceded that it had come up short.

"May I take this opportunity to congratulate your government and the people of Scotland for the very successful referendum that has just been concluded," said Raila Odinga.

"The results show the desire of the people of Scotland to stay in Great Britain but to enjoy substantial autonomy in running their local affairs in the spirit of devolution."

"Let me also take this early opportunity to congratulate you for your farsighted interpretation of the referendum results as a call for deepening of devolved governance and granting regions and communities more power over their affairs. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is the future of the 21st Century world."

Raila said the Coalition for Reform and Democracy (CORD) was ready to exchange views in the interest of Kenya and Great Britain more so when the coalition is looking forward to referendum.

"Our Coalition for Reform and Democracy (CORD) has proposed a referendum for the people of Kenya so as to deepen devolved governance as a means of ensuring a stronger and united nation as we continue to progressively reform our constitution," he said.

"In this regard we have a lot in common with the initiatives you intend to take and we shall always be ready to exchange views in the interest of our two nations which are tied by historical, cultural."