Kenyans celebrate Obama victory

Source: Xinhua | 11-05-2008 15:30

NAIROBI, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Kenyans erupted in cheers and singing to celebrate the first African American victory in the historic U.S. elections.

Scenes of wild celebrations were seen on television screens from across the country where Kenyans kept vigil all night following the U.S. election in giant screens.

Kenyans kept vigil in entertainment joints in the capital Nairobi throughout Tuesday night as they followed keenly and waited anxiously for the results of the historic poll where Republican nominee John McCain was left trailing the Democrat nominee.

"This is a momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya. The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success," Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said in a statement.

In Kogelo village of western Kenya, where the Democratic candidate Barack Obama's late father was born, police tightened security to prevent dozens of foreign and local media and villagers from entering the rural homestead of Obama's step-grandmother, Sarah.

However, the elderly woman including close relatives came outside to cheer for Obama in a country where the Democrat is seen as a "son of the soil."

Kenyans expressed confidence that "one of their own" has trounced his rival McCain who trailed for much of the night. Most of them were gearing up for "real celebrations" later in the day and on Thursday.

"So far so good and we are happy and the celebrations will continue here in the city and down in Kogelo," said Samson Mbugua, a Nairobi resident who had followed the results through the night.

Obama's family and friends stayed awake through the night and followed the results from a big screen television.

Kogelo is now the target of unprecedented government-sponsored development projects that appear prompted by the worldwide attention it is receiving, although Kenyan officials deny it.

In his statement, President Kibaki said that Obama's unassailable victory was a clear testimony of the confidence the American people have not only in his leadership and vision for his country but for the world at large.

"On behalf of the government and people of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I join the rest of the world in celebrating and congratulating you on your election as the 44th President of the United States of America," Kibaki said.

"I am confident that your presidency shall herald a new chapter of dialogue between the American people and the world at large."

The president also expressed readiness of his government to work with the new American administration to further promote and strengthen relations that exist between the two countries.

"We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots. Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us in Kenya."