Kenyans in the US bask in Obama’s spotlight

• Kenyans living in the US are constantly being teased that they could be the fathers of the country’s future leaders
• A Texas resident said she admires Obama as a candidate who epitomises change and hope for immigrants in America

Titus Ng’eno comes from Kenya. His wife, Angela Kopp Ng’eno is from Kansas, United States.

Does this ring a bell? Presumptive presidential candidate Barack Obama’s father was from Kenya. And his wife was from Kansas.

This interesting coincidence has thrust the family of Mr Ng’eno, a computer engineer for US firm Perspective Software, into the spotlight.

In the face of the excitement caused by Mr Obama, Mr Ng’eno is under scrutiny in Kansas City, with residents pointing at him as the epitome of the Illinois senator.

So much that his two children, Madeline Chepchirchir Ng’eno-Kopp, 7, and Emeliane Chekpkoech Ng’eno-Kopp, 2, have been nicknamed Obama by residents and schoolmates.

Such has been the storm generated by Mr Obama’s presidential candidature, which reaches fever pitch when he heads for Denver next week to be endorsed as the Democratic candidate for the November 4 General Election.

Kenyans living in the US are constantly being teased that they could be the fathers of the country’s future leaders, given the possibility of Obama becoming the first black president.

Wherever he goes, Mr Ng’eno has to contend with queries whether he thinks his children could also pull off a surprise like Mr Obama.

Colour of skin

“When my wife and I first met, we did not imagine that our relationship would be similar to that of Barack Obama’s parents,” Mr Ng’eno told Saturday Nation. 

“Everyone wants to label our children Obama. Indeed, we wish our children could grow up to be like him so they can be a bridge between the races in the US.”

Mr Ng’eno says he hopes people will start to realise that it is wrong to judge people based on the colour of their skin. 

“I feel like Mr Obama has opened the door (to ending racism) and hope that we will start to look at people as individuals and not place anyone within a group with stereotypes,” he said. 

“Our seven-year-old daughter is aware that Mr Obama comes from a similar background as hers. She is starting to know that no matter one’s background, you can make a difference.” 

Genevieve Kisungu Sona, a Democratic Republic of Congo national who is married to a Kenyan-American said all Africans are excited by the Obama presidential bid.