No holiday for us

Obama mania hit with a vengeance on Wednesday. Since we only have a shortwave radio and no TV we were among the last to know the final results. In fact, on Thursday we didn’t even know the President had declared a public holiday, so went about our business as usual as did most others in the town. We were not impressed by the holiday. The last thing Africa needs is another day with no government or business operations. Our view has been shared by many Kenyans both here and in the States. They wonder why the US voters don’t get any time off work yet Kenyans do.
Optimism is high for increased tourism, as Americans will supposedly come to see Obama’s roots. The fact that he was born in the US, had no contact with his father after the age of two and only recently met most of the relatives seems to have little effect. Eleven babies born in Kisumu on Tuesday night are called Barack Obama, roads and schools are having their name changed.
His father, who worked under President Kibaki, who was then Finance Minister, had at least three wives, so there is a mob of half siblings, ‘step’ mothers, aunts, uncles and cousins who have appeared.
They declare they will all go to the US. The ‘home’ village has suddenly become the centre of attention and electricity and water are being installed and the road paved. All overnight. It is supposedly in the name of security for the family and the hundreds of tourists expected to descend.
All this aside, there is no denying the tremendous lift this has given Kenyans, mired as they are in their own political mess. The importance of a black man earning such a position is inspiring. What some people don’t understand yet is that he put in many years of training & preparation. As one columnist said, he did not rely on his clan, or even his color, to fast track him to political power. It will also take time to sink in that a politician such as he will not be able or willing to shower the family with largesse. Already the aunt in the US illegally for the last four years is a potential embarrassment.
Articles quote the deputy PM who has pointed out that Kenya cannot expect Obama to express pride in his heritage if the country continues to employ corruption and refuses to be honest and transparent about the civil strife earlier this year. If the feeling lasts and takes root in high places, there is hope for the system yet.