NAIROBI, November 5 – President Mwai Kibaki on Wednesday called Barack Obama’s victory in the US presidential election a "momentous" day for Kenya.
The President declared Thursday, November 6 a public holiday for Kenyans to "celebrate the historic achievement by Senator Obama and our country."
"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," the Head of State said in a statement.
Senator Obama’s father was born in Siaya, Nyanza.
"We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us her in Kenya," Kibaki said in his congratulatory message to Obama.
"I am confident that your presidency shall herald a new chapter of dialogue between the American people and the world at large."
Celebrations for the victory sparked off early morning celebrations across the country and Obama senior’s rural home in Kogelo, Nyanza in particular," he added.
In his message President Kibaki noted that the US President-elect and the Democratic Party’s unassailable victory was a clear testimony of the confidence the American people had not only in his leadership and in vision for his country, but for the world at large.
He said: "I am confident that your presidency shall herald a new chapter of dialogue between the American people and the world at large."
President Kibaki also expressed readiness of his government to work with the new American administration to further promote and strengthen the warm and cordial relations that exist between the two countries.
"We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya," said President Kibaki.
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