Obama talks gay rights, corruption in East Africa

President Barack Obama’s trip to Africa began Friday with a warm welcome in Kenya, where his father was born. Billboards announcing his arrival covered the streets, and he spent the first evening reuniting with his Kenyan family over dinner.

But Obama’s first visit to East Africa since becoming president involved a lot more than a reunion. During meetings with leaders from both Kenya and Ethiopia, Obama addressed gay rights, corruption, and other social and political crises troubling the region.

Kenyan law penalizes homosexual sex with up to 14 years in prison. Obama urged Kenyan officials to reconsider the policy as he drew on his background as an African- American, saying he is “painfully aware of the history when people are treated differently under the law.” Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta responded that while America and Kenya agree on a lot, there are some things cultures and societies just don’t accept.

At a joint news conference with Kenyatta, Obama warned corruption may be Kenya’s biggest roadblock to growth. He called government corruption an “anchor” that could weigh down the country’s promising future.

“Too often here in Kenya corruption is tolerated because that’s how it’s always been done,” Obama said. A review of Kenyatta’s two-year government showed his administration to be more corrupt than previous ones. This sparked a lot of public pressure for action against his administration.

During his visit, Obama also talked about plans to propose a federal rule banning the sale of almost all ivory across Kenya as an effort to end poaching. He also noted America and Kenya are working to launch direct flights between both countries to boost Kenya’s tourism, but he didn’t give a deadline.

On Sunday, Obama set a milestone as the first U.S president to visit Ethiopia, a choice human rights groups criticized. Ethiopia is flooded with allegations of political suppression, but some locals believe Obama’s visit was just what the country needed.

“Visiting a country which is totally contrary to the values of the West is very controversial,” said Woretaw Wassie, a leader in Ethiopia’s opposition Blue Party. “But in any case, the U.S. believes that engaging can make a difference so maybe it will be a good opportunity to put some pressure.”

Obama urged Ethiopian leaders to allow for press freedom and political openness. The Committee to Protect Journalists ranks Ethiopia as the world’s second-worst jailer of journalists in Africa, after Eritrea. “When all voices are being heard, when people know they are being included in the political process, that makes a country more successful,” Obama said during a news conference with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

During his visit, Obama also met with African leaders to talk about the crisis in South Sudan. A political dispute between South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his former Vice President Riek Machar ignited a civil war that began in December 2013 and continues today. Obama's meeting with African leaders precedes an Aug. 17 deadline to reach a peace deal in South Sudan.

“The conditions on the ground are getting much, much worse,” Obama said. He added the U.S and its partners would have to “consider what tools we have,” if an agreement is not reached by the deadline.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.