Kogelo stays awake to monitor voting

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PHOTO | TOM OTIENO Mama Sarah Obama, (seated third right), step-grandmother of American President Barack Obama with religious leaders on November 6, 2012 in Kogelo Village, where Obama’s father was born. “I pray for him, for God to help him. It is a tough race, But if this is his turn, God will let him triumph,” she said.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By WANGA JUSTUS jwanga@ke.nationmedia.com AND GODFREY OMBOGO ombogog87@gmail.com
Posted  Wednesday, November 7  2012 at  00:30

IN SUMMARY

• The anxiety was palpable in Kogelo, the birth place of President Barack Obama’s father, Hussein Obama
• Even as the US opinion polls showed a neck-and-neck race, President Obama’s step-grandmother Sarah Onyango Obama exuded confidence
• An interdenominational prayer service led by the Bishop of the Power of Jesus Around the World, Dr Washington Ogonyo Ngede, concluded the week of prayers
• Although Dr Ogonyo played down the suggestion that their prayers were motivated by the fact that President Obama had Kenyan roots, he said most people were looking up to the candidate in the hope that his reign would send goodies their way
• A battery of local and international journalists have set camp around the home, beaming local perspectives live on radio and television

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It was business, passion and piety rolled in one, as dusk set in at Kogelo Village.

Prayers, food sales and a night vigil to watch the US vote count on a large screen mounted at a nearby primary school were some of the items lined up in the village where American elections are not just another global event.

The anxiety was palpable in Kogelo, the birth place of President Barack Obama’s father, Hussein Obama. The villagers gathered in small groups, discussing a possible election outcome.

And to ease off the pressure, a mock election was held by a group of comedians during which the incumbent beat his rival, garnering 146 to Mitt Romney’s 13.

Exuded confidence

And even as the US opinion polls showed a neck-and-neck race, President Obama’s step-grandmother Sarah Onyango Obama exuded confidence.

“My grandson has united all the races in America. He is a great leader, and I don’t believe it when they say they are neck-and-neck,” she told the Nation on Tuesday.

She added: “I would have loved to be in America to witness first-hand what is going on, but my ill health cannot allow me now.”

The dimpled granny has been the face of President Obama’s Kenyan roots.

An interdenominational prayer service led by the Bishop of the Power of Jesus Around the World, Dr Washington Ogonyo Ngede, concluded the week of prayers.

The US President’s half-brother Malik Abong’o Obama, also agreed that what the President required now more than ever, was prayer.

“The best we are doing now is to pray for him. We will not vote because we are Kenyans, and this is an American process. But if we had a choice, we would vote for him to propel his stab at a second term in office.”

Although Dr Ogonyo played down the suggestion that their prayers were motivated by the fact that President Obama had Kenyan roots, he said most people were looking up to the candidate in the hope that his reign would send goodies their way.

Mama Petronila Awiti, 72, said she had owned second-hand shoes all her life, and hoped a second term for Obama would change her fortunes.

“I have grown old without ever buying a new pair of shoes. I hope his victory will break this streak of second-hand things in my life,” the septuagenarian said.

Dr Ogonyo Observed: “Obama may have Kenyan roots, but he took over an economy in tatters and killed terror mastermind Osama Bin Laden. It is our moral obligation as church leaders to intercede on his behalf for another term so that he can finish the good work.”

A battery of local and international journalists have set camp around the home, beaming local perspectives live on radio and television.

In Siaya Town, all the major guesthouses were fully booked. Some people opted to pitch tent near Mama Sarah’s home to be as close as possible to the action.

“Business has been good. We have plenty of food and beer because these people are not just customers, but our guests too,” a waiter at Kogelo Resort, Mr George Obila, said.

Four years ago during the last US election, bulls were slaughtered and a day of festivity celebrated to mark the Obama victory. Area Chief Joseph Ogutu says that this time round, it will be no different.

“We expect a victory, and after the declaration of results, we must slaughter some animals in celebration,” said the Nyang’oma Kogelo Location chief.