[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.