President Obama and former US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson praised Mr Odinga for accepting the verdict of the Supreme Court that upheld the election of Mr Uhuru Kenyatta as Kenya’s fourth president.
Mr Odinga was expected to leave for the US last evening where among other engagements, he will deliver a talk at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington DC on Africa’s next 50 years.
“Through your words and your actions, you affirmed the importance of the rule of law and constitutional order and helped ensure a better future for Kenyans,” said the US President in the letter dated April 3.
“It is my sincere hope that Kenya will move forward from these elections to build on the promise of its Constitution and to solidify her rightful place as a vibrant, prosperous democracy, centred on the rule of law,” Mr Obama said.
Mr Carson said that like many Kenyans, he too waited with bated breath for the Supreme Court ruling on the election petition.
“I express my deep respect and appreciation to you on how you handled yourself during the entire judicial review process,” he said.
“Your early commitment to respect the judgment of the court and your consistent appeals to your supporters to honour and respect that decision have been instrumental in preventing a recurrence of the violence that occurred after the last presidential election in 2007,” he said.
Mr Carson noted that the former PM’s actions reflected his deep dedication to the rule of law.
“They also reflected your respect for judicial opinions and your unwavering commitment to the democratic values you have stood for and fought for throughout your career,” he said.
- Daily Nation
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