Posted on 06/05/2010 12:27:35 AM PDT by Red Steel
Updated 11 hr(s) 40 min(s) ago
Only days to the visit of his deputy to Kenya, US President Barack Obama has finally disclosed he will visit Kenya.
The announcement ends disquiet among many that the world’s most powerful leader had opted to permanently snub his late father’s homeland. It also gives away the core mission of his
deputy, Vice- President Joe Biden’s Nairobi visit starting Monday. Biden will be the highest ranking US official to ever visit Kenya.
Speaking during an interview in Washington, Obama urged Kenyans to take part in the August referendum on the Proposed Constitution.
He observed the new constitution could help establish the rule of law, protect human rights, and reduce the possibility of ethnic violence that erupted after the disputed 2007 presidential election.
In essence, Obama’s historic disclosure three days ahead of his deputy’s visit, leaves no doubt that Biden’s mission would revolve around the ongoing reform agenda. Obama gave the historic promise during an interview with Kenya’s national broadcaster, KBC.
Only last week, US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger gave the initial clue Obama would be coming to Kenya. Speaking at Standard Group headquarters on Mombasa Road, while officially launching Radio Maisha, Ranneberger noted: "The bar of US guests to Kenya was steadily rising" and that it was anybody’s guess who would knock next.
During his last visit to Kenya in 2006 as Illinois Senator, Obama got a great reception while his victory as the first US President was marked with celebrations across the country.
Although a dispatch from the White House states Biden will discuss "bilateral and regional security issues" with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga", the timing of the talks is curious. Campaigns ahead of the August referendum poll have peaked while the ICC investigators are in the country poring over documents and listening to potential witnesses.
Like those before him, Biden is expected to push the realisation of a new constitution. Although the two principals have publicly stated their support for the document, some key Government ministers and officials are out of step. The US Government has previously warned of unspecified action against the Kenyan leadership should it fail to implement the reform agenda and end intermittent wrangles that have threatened to derail the Grand Coalition Government.
In July last year, Carson said Washington was "encouraging" Kenya to implement the reforms.
And while attending the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act conference in Nairobi, last year, Clinton was concerned Kenya was letting down their "homeboy".
Indeed, the push for the reform agenda enjoys wide support from outside forces, including the US, European Union, and the United Nations.
In an apparent orchestrated move, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who negotiated the 2008 peace accord, was in the country last month where he urged Kenyans to pass the Proposed Constitution.
The latest report from the panel of African eminent personalities, released by Annan indicated 66 per cent of Kenyans would vote ‘Yes’ at the August 4 referendum on the Proposed Constitution.
The Obama Administration has been highly critical of the Kenya Government with Obama and Clinton separately unleashing warnings to ‘a friendly partner’ over the slow pace of reforms.
And as a part of his weapon to drive the point home, Obama has declined to set foot in Kenya explaining he cannot associate with governments that do not respect democratic ideals. His choice of Ghana during his first trip to Africa as President was particularly a slap in the face to Kenya.
"His visit to Ghana was to demonstrate his support towards democratic governance and the rule of law," explained Carson.
Kenya’s US-based leading scholar, Prof Ali Mazrui concurs: "If we would have performed better in the 2007 General Election, Obama would have found it harder to go to any other African country as his first stop. But because we faltered in 2007, Ghana was an easy option."
With the announcement of his visit to Kenya, is Obama suddenly convinced a wind of change is blowing across the country and that Kenyans have embraced democracy?
what is the problem about him visiting Kenya? i don’t see any
You mean, may be they’ll keep him??
Going Home. If only he would stay there.
Yes, it appears to be a quick edit to omit 'controversial' words from the international Internet community.
Liz...Can you make a Thread form all the JUICY info on #75!!! NALCO has Buffett, Goldman Sachs, Chicago, etc. all rolled into one big SCANDAL (maybe).
Will get to work on it, pronto. Meanwhile, we can all ponder this.
Was Obama a dual citizen? By birthright of his father and by adoption by
his stepfather, he may not be a NBC, and consitutionally disqualified from
holding office. Obama claims US citizenship due to his Hawaiian connections.
"ALOHA"
He’s a NBC like I’m a Tech Savvy Broad!!!
Thanks Liz....can you believe ALL the INFO on that post??? OMG!!
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