Kenya: Obama, King of Hearts
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The Nation (Nairobi)
29 August 2008
Posted to the web 29 August 2008
Samuel Siringi
Denver, Colorado
Presidential nominee Barack Obama extolled his Kenyan connection in a bold 44-minute speech which has raised the stakes in the race to the United States' White House.
Accepting the nomination as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee for the November 4 US General Election, the Illinois senator had space to mention Kenya in his first paragraph, according to extracts of a speech issued to the Press.
He reminded the 80,000-plus crowd of a speech he made in 2004, stating that his father was from Kenya.
The senator used the line, that came in paragraph three of his prepared speech, to explain that his father and mother had a good dream.
"Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story — of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to.
"It is that promise that has always set this country apart — that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well," he said.
In the wide ranging speech, Mr Obama for the first time heavily criticised competitor John McCain (Republican), saying he had the wrong credentials to deserve an office in the White House.
As Mr Obama was delivering his speech from about 5.10am East African time, Kenyans in their thousands woke up to watch him live on television.
Tourism minister Najib Balala and his wife and three children were up as early.
By the time the Saturday Nation team arrived at his house at 4.45am, the minister was seated in front of his TV with an "Obama for President" button pinned on his shirt.
"In Obama there is a new leadership that gives inspiration and hope not only in America but all over the world," Mr Balala said. He added: "Obama's leadership gives a new meaning to democracy in total disregard of whether one is black or white."
Mr Balala said he related to Mr Obama because of his youth.
"But more importantly, I see him in direct relevance to my position as having the same background... I am not black but I am a Kenyan and I am a Muslim, so how shall I be judged ... will it be on my race or my determination to serve the country and the values of which I stand?" he asked.
The minister described Mr Obama's speech as "classic because of the way it was presented and the decor of the stadium which I strongly believe will turn votes in his favour.
"It would be difficult for him to lose this election," he added.
Nyang'oma-Kogelo village in Siaya District also came alive moments after Mr Obama accepted his party nomination to run for the presidency.
Extended family members of the Democratic party nominee gathered at his grandmother, Mama Sarah Hussein's house, to celebrate a milestone in the history of the small village.
The home was abuzz with activity as hordes of local and international journalists pitched tent to document the reactions of Mr Obama's Kenyan relatives after the historic moment.
Mr Obama's uncle, Said Hussein, described the occasion as "fantastic".
Central Organisation of Trade Union secretary general Francis Atwoli, assistant ministers Ayiecho Olweny and Sylvester Wakoli said they remained awake on Thursday night to follow the proceedings live from the US.
After accepting the nomination, with "gratitude and humility", Mr Obama called the current period a defining one for America.
He now has eight weeks to campaign before voters can go to the polling booths.
"Our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more," he said to chants of "Yes We Can," his slogan.
"More Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and more are watching your home values plummet."
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He added: "More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay and tuition that is beyond your reach."
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Prime Minister's office should explain to vananchi that allowance for spouse has to do with her representaion duties as well as entertainment of different guests on behalf of the state, the allowance is therefore ok. VP should clear his name of threat allegations by the lady MP from makambani location, an individual who rules by fear is not worthy of being a ruler.
salaries of government workers should be seriously raised and if the educational institutions back home want to be vorld class then the peanuts salaries of academic staff must be seriously looked into by the responsible organs such… [Read Full Text]