Kenyan PM voices support, optimism for Obama

Source: Xinhua | 10-27-2008 16:48

NAIROBI, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the victory of U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barrack Obama in the elections scheduled for Nov. 4 will improve further the relations between Africa and Washington.

Odinga said the Obama presidency will bridge the racial divide that has existed in the United States for long time.

"We are supporting Obama not because he has Kenyan roots but because of his robust policies. We are sure he will win the American presidency," said Odinga, who made a surprise visit to Sarah Hussein Obama's home at Kogelo village in western Kenya late Sunday. Sarah is Obama's step grandmother.

The PM said he wholly supported Obama's candidature and was just as excited as many Kenyans about the historic event.

Odinga said he was optimistic Obama would win the elections, adding that Obama's candidature for presidency was a great honor to Kenyans with whom he shared a common ancestry.

"He will be President," Odinga said emphatically at Sarah Hussein Obama's home in Kogelo.

Sarah was cheerful as she gave interviews to international media.

"I am happy that the Prime Minister has visited us today and I am praying that my grandson wins," said the 86-year-old woman.

Asked if all Kenyans supported Obama, Odinga said Kenyans were aware that Obama was an American but believed in the national and global stand he had taken on many issues, and his general stand on issues.

The PM said Obama's campaign slogan "Change we believe in" had inspired many Kenyans who also believed his outlook and policies on Africa would help to significantly improve cooperation between Africa and the United States.

"An Obama presidency will definitely widen our scope of cooperation," the PM told the large crowd and local and international journalists who crowded the home which is now under tight security after it was attacked last month.

He said the Obama presidency would see Kenya and Africa as a whole, get more attention in terms of trade from the superpower.

Odinga's remarks came as White House race enters its homestretch this week with Obama maintaining a lead over his main challenger, John McCain.

The Illinois Senator has maintained a significant lead over his Republican competitor and many Kenyans including Obama' close relatives are optimistic that Obama would win the presidency.

Meanwhile, Obama’s living across the globe will be converging at Kogelo on Nov. 4, the day Americans vote in its next leader.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei