Obama lauds new Kenya, criticises Bashir visit

US President Barack Obama. FILE PHOTO | NATION
By KEVIN J KELLEY, New York
Posted Saturday, August 28 2010 at 12:56

President Barack Obama has combined criticism with congratulations in his response to Friday's ceremony marking the adoption of the new Constitution.

The US leader welcomed the signing of the Constitution as “an important step forward,” adding that “the people of Kenya have set a positive example for all of Africa and the world.”

But in a statement issued from the White House on Friday evening in Washington, Mr Obama also said he was “disappointed that Kenya hosted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in defiance of International Criminal Courtarrest warrants for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.”

Noting that Kenya has committed itself to full cooperation with the ICC, President Obama said the United States considers it important that Kenya honour those commitments.

“In Kenya and beyond, justice is a critical ingredient for lasting peace,” he declared.

The son of a Kenyan economist emphasised the struggle for justice in regard to the promulgation of the Constitution as well. He said its adoption “demonstrates the commitment of Kenya’s leaders and people to a future of unity, democracy, and equal justice for all – even the powerful."

Despite the rebuke in regard to the welcoming of President Bashir, Mr Obama said “the United States looks to partnering with Kenya as it moves through the multi-year process of implementing the new constitution.”

“We share the expectations of the Kenyan people that this process will usher in an era of deepened democracy and expanded economic opportunity for all Kenyans.”

The statement gave no indication of when President Obama might visit Kenya.