Apart from the more obvious loser of the recent election there’s another group of people who have lost out because of the result.
You may or may not know that Obama’s father is a Kenyan. He and his family still live in Kenya, in a small village called Nyang’oma Kogelo.
The fact that a “son of Kenya” was running for President was exciting enough. The fact that he is now President-elect is something that most people in Kenya have never even comprehended. One of their own, the next leader of the most powerful nation in the world.
Ordinary Kenyans believe the election result means that end of all their worries.
I am very happy he has won because there will be development here in Kogelo
I am so happy he has won because I know I will also benefit. There will be development here in Kogelo and new jobs.
Here in Kogelo, we’re in another USA. [Now he has won], there’ll be a lot of development and that is good. There’ll be a lot of people coming to visit Kogelo.*
Obama’s grandmother is a new national hero.
The Kenya Power and Lighting Company immediately set about digging holes to erect poles and lay cables to supply electricity to the home of Obama’s grandmother in Nyang’oma Kogelo.
Trucks and graders from the Ministry of Roads and Public Works were busy yesterday mending the road leading to the home. More security personnel were sent to guard the home.**
Today it’s a national holiday in Kenya. A day for celebrating Obama’s victory.
And yet I can’t help but think that Kenya is actually the loser. It’s great that Kenyans are proud of Obama. It’s great that they have hope for the future. However, I am unsure how exactly they think the new President-elect will come to their rescue? Doesn’t Mr Obama have more pressing needs - like those of his own country?
Kenyans will soon come to realise that this election is not the end of all their problems. Kenya’s problems have to be solved by the Kenyan people. Through hard work and an end to the bribery and corruption rife throughout the political and business classes.
It’s time for change Kenya.
*all quotes taken from this article
** taken from The Daily Nation
