Like a prophetic preacher, the slim framed Barack Obama walked into Kasarani indoor arena and looked at the crowd of the people of his father emotionally.
In what was a well choreographed message to a gathering bringing together Kenya’s political rivals the ruling administration and the Opposition, the civil society and members of the public he delivered arguably his most important speech and message to Kenyan like the preacher on the pulpit.
Like a possessed preacher, he analysed the Kenyan problems blow by blow telling leaders Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and Raila Odinga and a dozen MPs to their faces how Kenya should be solving its issues.
He first praised Kenya as a country on the right path of progress with immense talent and potential but slowed down by corruption and ethnicity. He emphasised the need to uphold good governance, democracy and human rights to spur growth.
His powerful quotes sunk into the attentive minds of those at the arena as well as millions watching live on TV. Those on social media platforms quickly took to their accounts to share what came across as the most important.
This was perhaps the best piece of message Kenyans have heard from a platform dotted with politicians in along time.
He said, “People should not be judged by their last names, ethnicity or race but the content of their character,” advising Kenyans on the effects of such negative actions. He summed it up with the phrase ‘Tribalism is a failure of imagination!’
Moving on to Kenya’s biggest problem- corruption - he said, “Every shilling that is paid as a bribe could be put in the pocket of someone doing a good day's work". This he said even as some MPS who voted to disband the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission sat nearby, smiling the speech away.
To them and Kenyans he said, “Making strong laws which are not enforced is not the way to fight corruption.”
Obama's visit in summary revolved around freedoms, dignity, ownership, equity and equality, culture change, hope, entrepreneurship, trade and partnership geared towards fighting terrorism adding that the US and Kenya would stand shoulder to shoulder on this front.
“We will stand side by side with Kenya in the fight against terrorism for as long as it takes,” he enthused.
Obama then addressed the issue of treating women as second class citizens and repugnant cultural practices including sexual assault of women.
Whether Kenyans are mesmerised by his oratorical prowess or connected with the messages he delivered is yet to be seen.
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