Brand Kenya to get new boost

The inauguration of President Barack Obama was celebrated at an all-African party in suburban Washington at which Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula joked that Kenya is now seen by some as a “superpower” because “our brother has ascended to the highest office on the globe.”

“Kenya has enjoyed unparalleled brand recognition largely through our athletes who have always been outstanding wherever they go,” the minister said during the Tuesday night event, “But now Kenya’s number one name recognition comes with the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States of America.”

Mr Wetang’ula also described the inauguration as a triumph over anti-African prejudice. Mr Obama’s victory “has smashed and dealt a deadly blow to prejudices we have suffered as men and women of colour,” Mr Wetang’ula said.

In his 20-minute address to the gathering, the minister also referred to Africa as “the continent that has suffered from prejudice more than any other continent.”

Give priority

He called on the Obama administration to give high priority to Africa’s development needs. Mr Wetang’ula also urged the new president to cooperate with leaders of other nations in addressing the global economic crisis as well as conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.

The minister further spoke of the need to reform the United Nations Security Council “so it does not continue to be a club of privilege but one that represents all.”

Kenya’s ambassador to the US Peter Ogego also addressed the inaugural ball. The event was co-sponsored by the Kenyan Embassy and the Corporate Council on Africa along with Africa’s diplomatic corps in Washington.

Entertainment was provided by the Boys Choir of Kenya. In Nairobi, Kenyans and Americans gathered to watch the historic inauguration of the first African-American US President.

Joy and excitement filled the air as envoys and locals mingled at the residence of Mr T.J. Dowlings, the US embassy counsellor of Public Affairs, to witness the swearing in of President Obama.

The event, dubbed Unity through Diversity, drew into one party more than 50 people including members of the diplomatic corps, high school and university students, company representatives. They were entertained by local traditional artistes.

The US ambassador to Kenya, Mr Michael Ranneberger, also made a brief appearance, but left for other engagements.

American food

In the spirit of the occasion, American food as well as drinks were served. Speaking after the inauguration, Mr James Stewart, who is the US representative to the UN, said he felt honoured to be in Kenya at the time of the inauguration.

However, he cautioned Kenyans against high expectations. Mr Dowlings said he was proud of his countrymen for electing Mr Obama. This, he said, was in keeping with the ideals of the US Declaration of Independence.

He noted that by mentioning the “small village where my father was born” in his speech, President Obama was making it clear to the world that Kenya was part of his heritage.