Washington-Kogelo-Kigali connection good for the EAC

The photo opportunity President Paul Kagame had with President Barack Obama and his wife Michele during his recent working visit in the USA, as well as his advocacy at the Corporate Council on Africa meeting, had my mind racing about the new dawn in EAC-USA relations. One thing I can point out is how the characters of the two presidents can assist in forging a better and more concrete relationship between the two political entities. One thing I can point out is that Obama represents a new face of American politics. Being the first Black President partly explains this sense of newness in the corridors of power in Washington DC. Obama checked into 100 Pennsylvania Avenue when the global economy was at a crossroads. He is dealing with this situation head on. President Paul Kagame on his part represents a new form of hope, not only within the EAC but the whole of Africa. President Kagame, as a statesman, has a new agenda for his people, his neighbors the East Africans as well as being at the forefront in championing the African renaissance. Both leaders’ individual characters are on a test run within the defining moments in both America and Africa. This in turn translates into a kind of connection that can be used to the good of the EAC in one way or the other. The connection between the two statesmen arises out of some interesting facts. Obama’s East African biological roots are well known. His forefathers were from Kogelo, Nyanza Province. It must be remembered that upon his ascendancy, Obama wrote to the EAC, stating his willingness to work with the regional body in advancing its interests within Washington. The current EAC chairmanship rests with President Kagame.I believe firmly that fast tracking of the EAC regional bloc, and attaining the political federation in 2015, would be a very satisfying prospect for both presidents. This is because, as statesmen who stand tall, both leaders would love to sort out the host of challenges that bedevil East Africans, as they make the treacherous journey of actualising EAC political federation. The EAC, to reach its goal, will need a hand from the world’s world. Will such opportune moment, where there is an intimate connection between the two presidents, come again any time soon; more especially in relation to the two political entities i.e. the US and the EAC? That political chemistry between the two leaders is bound to be very good for the EAC. President Barack Obama has stated on numerous occasions that good governance is the key ingredient to deliver the African renaissance. President Kagame is the mirror of the kind of leadership the EAC needs to take it to the proverbial Promised Land. The author is a journalist, The New Timesojiwah@gmail.com