Kenya to take day off to celebrate Obama victory

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By Martin Mutua

President Kibaki has announced a public holiday tomorrow for Kenyans to celebrate the victory of Barack Obama as the new President elect of the United States of America.

Immediately Obama was announced victorious at about 7.05am, Kenyan time, through CNN, a call through to State House Nairobi broke the news.

And Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined Kenyans in congratulating Obama for his victory.

The PM said Obama’s victory was a new beginning not only for Africa but the entire world, as it would redefine the way America relates with not only Kenya but Africa in general.

Raila said Kenyans wished Obama every success in his new endeavour in the years to come.

"I congratulate President elect Barack Obama for the historic election as the President of United States," he said in an interview with The Standard from China, where he is on official business.

Raila said Kenyans were overjoyed at the victory and that it would resonate with hundreds of millions of people around the world.

"It is indeed time for global renewal. The strong message of hope and a vision for a world engulfed daily with global challenges delivered by the president elect during the campaign is admirable, timely and welcome," he added.

Presidential Press Service Director Isaiya Kabi ra told The Standard the President had been watching the unfolding events on television.

"This is a momentous day, not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya. The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success," President Kibaki said.

He said Obama’s and the Democratic Party victory was a clear testimony of the confidence the American people have, not only in his leadership and vision for his country, but for the world at large.

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has said he hopes an Obama victory will bring greater international peace to the world.

Kalonzo said he now expected that America would be able to listen to the voices coming from the United Nations.

Kalonzo said had America listened to the UN the war in Iraq would have been avoided which he described as a big mistake. "I hope the Obama victory marks an end to America’s unilateralism and see America committed to multilateralism," he said.

Kalonzo, while congratulating Obama for the win, said whereas Kenyans were excited about his election he was an American president.

"However, the name of Kenya will always feature in that presidency and what we can do to help Obama is to ensure the country is more democratic," he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Justice Minister Martha Karua congratulated Obama. Karua said she was happy about Obama’s victory, saying it was a motivation against unjustified discrimination.

Karua who has also declared she will be in the race for Presidency in 2012, said she felt encouraged by the Obama win.

"It pays to believe in the art of the possible and to remain focused. Obama has liberated the common man, yes we can too," the minister stated.

Karua who spoke to The Standard moments after Obama delivered his victory speech, described the developments in America as "very encouraging".