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U.S. Vice President Embarks on State Visit To Kenya

   Peter Clottey 07 June 2010

Photo: AP

   United  States  Vice President Joe Biden and family arrives in Kenya's
   capital, Nairobi to begin a three-day official state visit.

   A  leading  Kenyan legislator told VOA U.S Vice President Joseph Biden
   is  scheduled  to  meet  President  Mwai  Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila
   Odinga,  as  well  as  the  leadership  of  parliamentâs reform caucus
   Tuesday.  Mr.  Biden  arrived  late  Monday  in  Nairobi  as part of a
   three-day official visit to the country.

   Olago Oluoch, co-chairman of Kenyaâs parliamentary reform caucus, said
   his  group  will  present  a  progress  report  to Mr. Biden about the
   much-needed reforms the country has embarked upon.

   âHeâs  got  a series of meetings; first he is meeting the President of
   the  Republic  of  Kenya, Mr. Mwai Kibaki, and he is meeting the Prime
   Minister.  Then,  later,  he is going to be meeting the speaker of the
   national  assembly, parliament and, lastly, he is going to meet me and
   four  of my colleagues who are leaders of the parliamentary caucus for
   reforms,â he said.

   After  addressing  a  joint news conference with President Kibaki, Mr.
   Biden  is  also scheduled to visit Kenyaâs parliament, which is set to
   open Tuesday after a recent recess.

   President  Barack  Obamaâs  administration has urged Kenyaâs coalition
   government  to  reform  crucial state institutions. Americaâs envoy to
   Kenya,  Ambassador  Michael  Ranneberger, said âthe United States will
   not  do  business  as  usual  with those who do not support the reform
   agenda,  or  who support violence. Let me assure you that we will take
   specific actions to back up those words.â

   But,  legislator  Oluoch  said  Kenya  has  taken steps to address the
   demand for reforms.

   âWe  believe that (in) the agenda for the meeting today, we will brief
   the  Vice  President  of the United States (Mr. Biden) how far we have
   reached, what challenges we are still facing and what our expectations
   are,â Oluoch said.

   Local  media  reported  recently  that  President  Obama wanted to see
   Kenyaâs  ongoing  constitutional  review  process  to  be successfully
   concluded.  But,  he  added  that the United States is not pushing for
   either  a  âyesâ or a ânoâ vote at the referendum scheduled to be held
   on 4^th August.

   Mr.  Obama  said,  "I  think  it's  up  to the Kenyan people to make a
   decision  about the direction of their country. But, as a great friend
   of  Kenya  and as president of the United States, I am hoping that the
   Kenyan  people,  through  a process of self-determination, are able to
   take advantage of this moment."

   Legislator   Oluoch   praised   Washingtonâs   support   for   Kenyaâs
   constitutional review process.

   âAmbassador Ranneberger has been very positive on the need for Kenyans
   to  be  educated  of  the  draft  (constitution).  The U.S government,
   through  its agency USAID, has been able to reach out to the youth and
   reach  out  to women who are the marginalized in our society in such a
   way  that  they have been mobilized to understand the constitution, so
   that  finally  they  can  be  able to make their own decision,â Oluoch
   said.

   He  said  Mr.  Bidenâs  visit  is  a  demonstration of the strong bond
   between Washington and Nairobi.

   Oluoch  also  added  that it was a great honor for the country to host
   the  Vice  President  of  the United States at a time when Kenya needs
   support from her true friends.

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