Kogelo Village, Western Kenya — Kenya is ecstatic at the news of Barack Obama's historic election as president of the United States. Upon hearing news of their beloved "son's" win Wednesday morning (East Africa Time), residents of Kogelo village burst into song and cheers of joy.
Kogelo, about 50 kilometres from Kisumu, the capital of Nyanza Province, is home to Barack Obama's Kenyan relatives, and is where his father, Barack Obama Sr. was born.
About 50 foreign journalists have been reporting from the village over the past week in hopes of capturing just such a moment. However, the Obama family has kept relatively quiet, choosing to make statements to the press through their elected family spokesperson for the week, Obama's half-brother, Malik Abango .
Following today's announcement, journalists were invited to a section of the Obama homestead to join some members of the family to view Obama's acceptance speech. The relatives, along with some neighbors, cheered, sang and gave the "thumbs-up" sign at Obama's words.
In a brief press conference following the speech, Abango told journalists the family wants to express "extreme gratitude and appreciation of the American people."
This "gratitude" is evident outside the homestead as well. American flags, stars-and-stripes-themed clothing and slogans praising America are highly visible today. One very small, sleepy restaurant in Siaya town, the nearest town to Kogelo, was playing CNN International to a small but rapturous audience, one of whom was wearing an American flag hat.
The Obama family's life in Kenya will be different from here out. Beyond being the center of international media attention, the family will have new responsibilities in their village.
"Things are going to change [for us]... We have projects... We have to provide for our people," Abango said. As for the rumors of a Kenyan-style Obama homecoming to Kogelo, Abango said: "I know right now that if you check his appointment book, I bet you he'll get here as soon as he can."
But what will will an Obama presidency really mean for Kenya, where Obama, who scarcely knew his Kogelo-born father, is held in such esteem?
Abango said that Kenyans can take away the values of "true democracy, and what humility is all about."
The Kenyan government has declared a national holiday this week in honor of Obama.
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i want 2 join in 2 thanks d AMERICAN people 4 their benovelent gesture they ve made in electing senate mr.obama as d president of USA.I ld like 2 advice mr obama 2 seriously take into consideration d effect of foreign policy of USA ve on d world n servive as guidance 4 him in executing his duty not only 4 USA bt also d world at large.MR OBAMA I WISH U ALL D BEST OF LUCK U WISH 4 YOUR SELF.MORE OF MY ADVICE LL COME LATER ON.BYE 4 NOW.
It's funny and silly how us black people are. Specially african people have the habit of abondoning kids all over. All credit goes to the mother and step father of Obama who raised this boy to be the man he is today. The last time Obama saw his father, he was only 10 years old. Now you want to claim the boy because he is now a president? this remind me of Shack Oneil the nba player. who's father wanted to be his father again just because the man became rich. Where were you when the boy was looking for a father figure? Obama does make us all proud. Still we have to learn to take care of our responsabilities. Obama don't care about africa he just wanted to know his root. That is the dream of all black americans to know where they came from. If i'm lying why wasn't his Gramma from kenya or his half sister from Kenya present in Chicago and I bet they won't even be at the inaugural ceremony. you are to be ashamed of yourselves.
Bush actually has benefited Africa more than any previous US President before by his unprecedented financial support in the fight against AIDS. However, the only way Africa will have any sustained upward trend isn't by looking to foreign countries like the USA but by looking inwards and getting rid of the strings of dictators who are the parasites that suck up any vitality in the continent.
We Americans hear your joy at the triumph of Obama winning the election. Americans now feel a sense of relief that the world will be a better place with President-elect Obama leading the charge!
Peace.
Read more about the story on www.raverantrage.blogspot.com
"Kenyan government has declared a national holiday this week "
Poor Kenyans.
Clueless.
The celebration of the damned.
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