In a Kenyan village, delight at Obama's reelection
| Nairobi, Kenya
President Obama鈥檚 reelection has stirred wild celebrations in Nyang鈥檕ma Kogelo, the birthplace of his father, Hussein Obama.
In the village about 415 kilometres (258 miles) west of Nairobi, 海角大神 and traditional songs reverberated alongside African drumbeats and dances early in the morning as Obama鈥檚 win was announced on international TV channels. The village was tense and prayerful for weeks as Obama and Mitt Romney faced off for the United States presidency.
鈥淚 thank the people of Kogelo for supporting and praying for my grandson. I thank American voters for reelecting my grandson 鈥� I want him to work harder and work with Romney,鈥� says聽Sarah Obama, Obama's step-grandmother.
Kenya鈥檚 President Mwai Kibaki today called Obama's victory a reaffirmation of the American people鈥檚 confidence in Obama鈥檚 leadership and wished him good luck. 鈥淲e are always proud of association with you,鈥� said President Kibaki. 聽
鈥淭onight鈥檚 electoral outcome will reignite faith worldwide, but especially in Africa, in the restorative capacity of democracy to deliver change and discard entrenched divisions,鈥� Prime Minister Raila Odinga said in a different statement.
The villagers kept awake all Tuesday following the election, watching a giant television screen set up in the courtyard of the Obama Primary School.
鈥淭he people are now happy, inspired, and hopeful. Chicken and goats are being slaughtered in celebrations and the village is going wild,鈥� says Nicholas Rajula, Obama鈥檚 first cousin. 鈥淲e had gathered religious leaders overnight to pray as the results tricked in 鈥� God has answered our prayers.鈥�
As polling stations opened in the United States on Tuesday morning, villagers in Kogelo gathered to vote for Obama and Romney in a mock election. Some waved America flags and dressed in shorts and T-shirts with the flag鈥檚 colors. Although Obama has an ardent following here, Romney also got some votes.聽
鈥淭he people are feeling proud. The pride is inspired by a feeling that their 'son' is leading the world鈥檚 greatest nation,鈥� says Dr. Gerald Majany who teaches Law and Peace Studies at the Africa Nazarene University. 鈥淭here are also good lessons for Kenya[n] politicians too; that politics is about issues, not tribe, race, or religion.鈥�
Obama visited the village in 2006 to visit聽Mrs. Obama. His election in 2008 put the then-remote village on the world map, with the government installing access to electricity and water, and paving roads. Charities have also moved here to improve living conditions and the village hopes this will continue in Obama鈥檚 second term.
