Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Tuesday congratulated new U.S. President Barack Obama on his inauguration as the country's 44th president.

In a message of goodwill to U.S. President Obama, Kenyan President Kibaki said Kenya has cherished many years of bilateral ties with the United States and is looking forward to even stronger relations in areas of mutual benefit to the two countries.

"On behalf of the government, the people of Kenya and on my own behalf, I extend our message of best wishes to you on the auspicious occasion of your inauguration as the 44th president of the United States of America," Kibaki said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Prime Minister Odinga said he wishes the new American leader will support democracy, democratic institutions and democratic transfer of power across the world.

"I hope that Obama will help strengthen civil society organizations that are involved in efforts to uplift their nations. It is also my hope that the new president will support fair trade among nations and give a chance for diplomacy in areas of conflict, " said Odinga.

The Kenyan prime minister who agreed to share power with President Mwai Kibaki after the 2007 presidential elections said Obama's victory came after generations of civil rights activists pushed for fairness and equality among the races.

"I have no doubt that Obama will prove that the efforts that went into this push are not in vain. I also have no doubt that Obama will be equal to all the other tasks ahead," he said.

Firework lit the evening skies of Nairobi when Obama took the oath of office shortly after 20:00 p.m. (1500GMT) Kenya time.

President Kibaki, in recalling the remarkable journey U.S. President Obama has taken to become the leader of America, noted that the election victory was well deserved.

Kibaki noted that through the remarkable electioneering Journey, the new U.S. president has inspired many young and old people not only in America but also around the world with the word of hope.

He said President Obama outlined the values and principles of freedom, equality and change that he has always championed.

"As you commence your first term in office, I am confident that you will succeed in making the United States and indeed the world a better place for humanity." Kibaki said.

Kibaki wished President Obama God's blessings as he embarks on the national and international obligations.

On his part, Odinga said the weight of hope and the burden of expectation that the world have thrust onto President Obama's shoulders as he takes office.

"I wish Obama well as he takes office. I trust that he will rise to the challenge of unifying a polarized world and giving hope to those who are losing it around the globe and in the United States."

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2009)