WAVING her walking cane and smiling broadly, the step-grandmother of Barack Obama has celebrated along with her fellow villagers.
Kogelo, a tiny town where children play soccer in bare feet, was the home of Obama's father, and claims several relatives of the president among its population. The family matriarch is Sarah Obama, who was married to the president's late grandfather.
"Take the great job that people have given to you and lead them well," Sarah Obama advised her relative by marriage after his victory. "They have shown immense love to have voted for you."
Residents hoisted branches of green leaves, red plastic chairs and even bicycles into the air to celebrate Obama's win.
"The community is happy. The community is waking up from their sleep to come and celebrate," said Kennedy Rajula, the president's cousin.
Sarah Obama is the second wife of Obama's paternal grandfather. Obama referred to her as Granny in his memoir, Dreams from My Father, and described meeting her during his 1988 trip to his father's homeland and their awkwardness as they struggled to communicate.
Kenya takes great pride in its association with Obama, and Prime Minister Raila Odinga told The Associated Press the election victory was a great day for the US and Kenya.
"Obama's victory has proved that it was not a fluke the first time round, that the American society has changed, that the people of America have now, basically living the American dream of a people who are united by race, by religion, by ethnicity and so on," Odinga said. "People are prepared to work together to build their country."
Meanwhile, in Moneygall, Ireland, the Guinness flowed as the results of the president's re-election dawned on the village.
In May 2011, Obama visited Moneygall, a small village in County Offaly in central Ireland, after an amateur genealogist traced the president's maternal ancestors back to the area.
On Tuesday night, some residents gathered in Ollie Hayes' pub - where Obama sampled a glass of Guinness during his whirlwind visit - hopeful that the man who brought international attention to the sleepy village would be returned to the White House.
The pub was busy on Wednesday morning as locals and tourists popped in to sample the atmosphere in the aftermath of Obama's victory.
The president's great-great-great grandfather was a shoemaker in the village in the 19th century.
Jim Ryan, a native of Tipperary who immigrated to Perth four years ago, was back in Ireland to visit his parents. They suggested a day trip to Moneygall.
"They wanted to come up and see if there's any craic (fun) happening given the Obama connection. They weren't wrong: it's not even midday yet and there's loads (of people) around," he said.
Inside the Obama Cafe, established after the president's visit, owner Paul Costello was busy serving customers.
Outside a handwritten sign says "election specials", underneath American flags blowing under a grey Irish sky.
Tea and coffee was on the house to celebrate the success of Obama.
"This is great news for the village," Costello said. "For us, it'll allow us to establish our business knowing he'll be in power for four more years."
For many residents, the big question on Wednesday morning was whether the president would return to Moneygall.
"I tell you something, if he comes back, he can have anything on the menu. I won't even charge him," Costello joked.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Granny Obama celebrates in Kenya
Dengan url
http://soloberitaku.blogspot.com/2012/11/granny-obama-celebrates-in-kenya.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Granny Obama celebrates in Kenya
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Granny Obama celebrates in Kenya
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar