For the second time since his 2015 visit, Obama took heed of one key issue that Kenya is grappling to tackle
Obama is in Kenya for a two-day visit
Speaking during the inauguration of a sports and vocational center founded by his sister, Auma Obama, he lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to work together but urged them to fight corruption decisively.
It is the same message he mirrored three years ago when he gave a speech at the Safaricom Indoor Arena, Kasarani during his first presidential visit to the country.
At the time, he commended President Kenyatta for his commitment to rooting out corruption in the East African nation, saying the issue was a key reason why the economy was not growing even faster.
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It is a vice that Kenya is grappling to deal in the wake of recent reports on corruption and misappropriation of state funds running into billions of shillings.
Here is a comparison of what he said regarding graft during the two visits:
2018
"If Kenya is anticipating real progress, the issue of corruption must be addressed. Different ethnicities must not be viewed as rivals and different tribes should be viewed as a strength to celebrate our diversity."
2015
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"There is no country that is completely free from corruption. The fact is, too often here in Kenya, corruption is tolerated because that's how it's always been done."
"Fighting corruption is not just about changing laws. Ordinary people have to stand up and say enough is enough."
"Corruption continues to deny many Kenyans jobs. Every shilling paid as a bribe could be paid to someone who is doing an honest day's work."
Obama arrived in the country on Sunday where he held separate meetings with President Kenyatta and Mr Odinga.
He is expected to fly to South Africa later today for the Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture.
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