| THE OBAMA PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
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The declaration of a Public Holiday in Kenya by the President was to join the world in marking the long awaited day. Preparations had begun early this year. Every body wondered the day would ever come. Finally all the preparations were not put to waste as Barrack Obama was voted in as the 44TH President of the most powerful nation in the world. Kenya was optimistic about his win. On the 5th of November, just a few hours after voting was over in the US the Nation newspaper had Obama’s photo on the front page showing his early lead. Hours later the win of Obama was announced and then in celebration the President of Kenya declared Thursday 6th Nov a public holiday, no work for all Kenyans.
Although Kenya has its own issues and political struggles, it joins the world in celebrating the new elected President. However, Kenya is unique in this regard because Obama’s claims Kenya to be his ancestral home. He is true blooded Kenyan – American. We are all happy that Americans chose one of our own to be their president. The large billboards that have Obama’s smiling face have increased in number as you drive down the major highways. I even saw a bus displaying Obama’s photo in the windscreen. Kenyans are excited and they cannot hide their joy.
While the US citizens joined long queues in their respective voting areas, here in Kenya residents of Kisumu joined a queue and mimicked the voting process that was going on over 11000 miles away. They had two voting boxes and the queue was just towards the box with Obama’s face. K’Ogello village in Kisumu, the birthplace of Obama’s father was not left out as they mimicked the voting process as well. There were no celebrations yet as they all waited to see the results, but the lamb that was to be slaughtered stood there bleating not knowing its fate. The TV’s in all public places were on and Kenyans stood there to watch what would happen. His votes kept increasing and when he was the ultimate winner, the celebrations began. It was a big shock that Obama actually won because despite the optimism there was also a chance of him loosing. The poor lamb’s throat was slit, followed by ululation by the women to mark the beginning of celebrations.
No work and no school, just partying began Thursday. We all joined in the celebrations of the new president. We then wished him a long life full of good health. Parties were thrown in Kericho, Nakuru, Kisumu, Nairobi, Eldoret and of course other small towns. This had been an awaited day by many to see the first Black man become president of the United States and to add on to it, a Kenyan-American elected to that position. The long day finally came to an end and now we are back to work just like every other common man. The hard work is now on hands of President Barack Obama because the whole world is watching him, some with telescopes, others with glasses, while others use their bare eyes. He has the duty to prove that he can do something. We hope for the best as we sit, relax and of course watch him closely.
However, as we rejoice we still have our political issues to deal with. The release of the findings of the post election violence investigations is in the minds of all of us. We await the judgment of the guilty persons eagerly so that we can move on as a country.
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