Election win inspires us, says ODM

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By David Ohito

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will continue to forge links with US President-elect Barack Obama’s party.

In a letter sent to Obama after his historic win in the just concluded US presidential elections, ODM led by Prime Minister Raila Odinga said it was touched and moved by the resolve of the American people to change the status quo.

ODM said it shared fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

"These values are what propelled your candidacy to the highest office in the US," ODM’s Secretary General Anyang’ Nyong’o said.

The party described Obama’s win as having scaled social barriers for being the first black man to win the US presidency.

"ODM sent observers to the US during the nomination process as well during the election, an experience that has been used to enrich the party," he said.

Giant leap

In a statement issued at Orange House, Nyong’o said: "We are inspired by your giant leap into the future of a peaceful and just world order.

The ODM compliments and congratulates the Democratic Party of US and president-elect Obama on his election as 44th President of the US," Nyong’o said.

Flanked by party’s National Executive Committee, including the Prime Minister Raila Odinga and chairman Henry Kosgey, Nyong’o described Obama’s win as "history traceable to his experience with the people of Kenya and deep rooted heritage in Kenya".

He added: "As Kenyans we share pride and history that the people of US feel at this moment in History."