News, August 2008

Obama's Acceptance Speech Electrifies Kenyans

www.chinaview.cn 2008-08-30 21:53:14  

    NAIROBI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua)--

Kenyans on Friday joined the world in celebrating U.S. Democratic Party nominee Senator Barrack Obama's acceptance to vie for the presidency and thus become first black American to run for the top seat.

    Dozens of Obama's close relatives stayed awake across the country, particularly, Kogelo village, the family homestead, on Thursday night, awaiting his acceptance speech in Denver.

    According to local dailies on Saturday, thousands remained glued to their television screens on night to follow the proceedings live from the United States as a five-km dust road stretch to Sarah Obama's homestead remained abuzz with activity.

    Obama's grandmother, Sarah, said close relatives burnt midnight oil at the Kogelo village in Western Kenya to watch "one of our own" in his moment of glory.

    "I was moved as I watched my grandson address a mammoth crowd," Sarah was quoted as saying by the Standard newspaper.

    "We stayed up to watch him address the gathering and he spoke more like his father. I am sure his father would have loved to hear him speak the way he did," she added.

    The family watched the acceptance speech early on Friday and a repeat on the television stations across the country.

    After the speech, the close family members of the Democratic Party nominee gathered at his grandmother's house to celebrate.

    "We are happy that he has been nominated to run for the presidency. As a family, we feel very happy because Barrack has done us proud and we can only wish him well in the remainder of the journey," said Said Obama, an uncle to the Illinois Senator.

    "Foreign media houses booked appointments two weeks ago to interview the family today (Friday)," Said said.

    Francis Atwoli, the secretary-general of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, told the Kenya's Nation newspaper that "the U.S. election is just like Kenya's presidential polls."

    Assistant Minister Sylvester Wakoli said he is a great fan of the Illinois Senator and that he liked his speech. Education Assistant Minister Ayiecho Olweny congratulated Obama, saying that the man with Kenyan roots had a lot to offer not only to the United States, but to the world at large.

    Cardinal John Njue said he was not around on Friday to watch Senator Obama's speech. However, he said that the U.S. election was the affair of the country's people and that it was up to them to decide who to lead them.

    According to Sarah, her grandson has emerged from the bruising nomination battle as a captivating and forthright person who does not forget his roots.

    Clasping a gigantic poster of her grandson, Sarah answered numerous questions from journalists.

    "I am particularly pleased that my grandson embraced his toughest challenge, Hillary Clinton and they are now a winning team," she said.

    Sarah said even though she was ailing, she would brace the pain and travel to the United States should Obama win the race.

    "Barrack is like his late father, an ordinary person who did extraordinary things. He will bring change to the U.S.," a jovial Sarah said.

    Kericho Mayor Moses Limo from Kenya's Rift Valley said if Obama wins the final elections, racism and tribalism would be a thing of the past.

    In Nyeri, central Kenya, Knut central provincial council chairman John Ndung'u said he was still up at 0500 hrs when the Democratic presidential candidate was giving his speech.

    Songs in praise of Obama were also played in various night joints countrywide.

    In the lakeside city of Kisumu where many people idolize Barrack, many town residents followed his speech on television stations and cheered after he concluded his address.　 The Kisumu town was awash with musical lyrics in praise of the Illinois senator. Public service vehicles were painted with Obama posters. Caps and T-shirts labeled "Obama" were on display along the Kisumustreets.

    "I am very excited. If things continue like this, then Obama will be America's next president," said Alice Akumu, a first trader in Kisumu.

    Local leaders termed Obama's rise as "God send." Gwassi lawmaker, John Mbandi said the Senator's speech captured the aspirations of many.

    "The world needs unifying leaders like Obama, leaders capable of demonstrating exemplary leadership," Mbandi told the Standard.

Editor: Bi Mingxin