OBAMA’S MOMENT

When America went to the poll last week Tuesday to decide between Barrack Obama and Mitt Romney, political analysts had predicted that it would be a tightly contested race. Anxiety had taken the best of both candidates supporters. And while the world observed the American election, Kenya watched with a keen eye and bated breath.  

American president elect Barack Obama.

Republican Candidate Mitt Romney.

Barack Obama was declared the winner amidst wild jubilation from his supporters. He then proceeded to give a powerful acceptance speech while Romney conceded defeat.  Back in Kenya, words alone cannot adequately paint a picture of the concurrent events. This given the ancestral ties the American president elect has with Kenya.

The Obama's acknowledge cheers from supporters.

To begin with, way before the presidential election, women groups in Kogelo, which is the ancestral land of Barack, had been holding special prayers for the incumbent president’s victory! As Americans took to the voting stations Tuesday, the villagers in Kogelo braved the morning cold to conduct a mock election, whereby “voters” cast their ballot in favor of Romney or Obama. Need I say who emerged the mock election winner?

Kogelo residents celebrating Obama's win

The villagers proceeded to spend the night glued to the television screens as the results were streamed in live by major media houses. By late morning, it was apparent that Obama had taken the lead and that marked the beginning of ecstatic celebrations across the village as people chanted the now famous slogan “four more years!” On social networking sites, congratulatory messages to the president elect stole the show.

Routine activities were shelved as the jubilant citizens celebrated the victory in the best way they knew how. Mrs. Sarah Obama, the president elect’s step grandmother was not one to be left out of such revelry. The senior Obama thanked God for Barrack’s success and said she looked forward to attending the swearing in ceremony in America early next year.

Mama Sarah Obama celebrates with other villagers.

That said, Obama has four more years at the white house. The fact that the American presidency is the most powerful political position in the world means everyone will be watching with keen interest the policies he advocates for. Given his charm and charisma, the Americans knew better than to deny him a second term in office! 

Here is to four more years!!