    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 31, 2002]
    [Page 2218]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Kenyan Democratic Elections
    December 31, 2002

        I congratulate President Mwai Kibaki on his
    election as the third President of the Republic of Kenya and look
    forward to working with him. I also congratulate the Kenyan people who
    on December 27th demonstrated their deep commitment to democracy and
    provided to the world a clear example of peaceful, democratic change.
    And I commend former President Moi for
    his leadership and vision during this crucial period of democratic
    transition and for his years of leadership in the region.
        The elections have opened a hopeful new chapter in Kenya's history.
    I commend the Presidential candidates, Uhuru Kenyatta and Simeon Nyachae, for
    peacefully accepting the outcome of the election and for pledging to
    work constructively within the democratic framework of the National
    Assembly. The United States will work closely with Kenya's new
    Government to deepen the strong and enduring friendship between the
    United States and Kenya and to help the new Government build a future of
    greater freedom, peace, and prosperity for all of Kenya's citizens.