As was expected, the people of the United States of America did not disappoint.
They came one by one and voted for Senator Barack Obama in all their numbers so convincingly that Senator McCain did not waste time conceding defeat.
This election has been historic in many senses. First, the people of the USA have effectively put to rest the question of race and just like Martin Luther King Jr said, they have judged a candidate not by the colour of his skin, but rather, the content of character.
The people of USA have proved to the world once again that democracy knows no colour, democracy only knows the will of the people. Congratulations.
The American elections were fought on two fronts; the economy and national security. President Obama put up a case that won the hearts and convinced most people that he was equal to the job. This is just like it should be.
In Kenya, we must learn not to fear loosing elections, for such fears can be as destructive as we witnessed in January of this year. We must learn to respect the will of the people by putting up credible issues on the campaign platform.
Once that is done, the best man should be let to win.
This effectively calls for a few changes in Kenya. With President Obama in White House, can we expect greater support to strengthen our institutions of governance. This must start with a complete overhaul of the Judiciary where we must seek all the support to remove the political Judges who are agents of state impunity.
This class of Judges are used by the state to foster oppression and maintain the status quo with regard to all corruption cases. These Judges will subjugate the course of justice as their oil the forces of corruption with impunity.
Secondly, we must be helped to create a new independent electoral body. The farce that we have in place is time tested and proven empty. We must have laws in place that guarantee the independence of the electoral body so that they do not cow-tow to the whims of the president at any time.
Thirdly, the government of Kenya must immediately open Western Kenya. It is gratifying to note that the road to Kogelo is being made now and that Kenya Power & Lighting Company is at this moment installing power to Mama Sarah’s home. This is not enough.
Provision of electric power should not have waited the election of President Obama. It should have been a priority earlier. Same with the road. It is sad that the road linking Nairobi to Western Kenya has for a long time been in ruins. We expect the government to build and maintain a good road link across Western Kenya.
Lastly, the government must think about tourism for the Western circuit. This must come with a good airpot in Kisumu, good beaches devoid of hyasinth, good hotels in the region and all such things that promote tourism.
All is not lost. It is just the beginning for change we can all believe in. Congratulations to the American people for electing one such capable son of the World [Wuod Oganda].
Odhiambo T Oketch,
Komarock Nairobi.
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Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 03:06:10 -0800 (PST)
From: odhiambo okecth
Subject: Congratulations to President Barrack Obama