Obama, king of hearts

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.”

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.”

Mr Obama said next week’s Republican convention in Minnesota would be seeking to ask for another four years under the party, implying a third term for the (President) Bush administration.

The senator, who is seeking to be the first black president in the history of America, asked voters to reject the Republican candidate in the election, adding “eight (years) is enough.”

“(John) McCain has voted with George Bush 99 per cent of the time. He likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment when you think (George) Bush was right more than 90 per cent of the time”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to take a 10 per cent chance on change.”

Outlining his promises if elected, Mr Obama said he will cut taxes for 95 per cent of all working families.

Under an Obama presidency, America will finally end its dependence on oil from the Middle East in 10 years.

“As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power,” he said to a deafening song of “Obama, Obama”.

He promised to invest Sh1 trillion ($150 billion) over the next decade in affordable and renewable sources of energy.

“I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm’s way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home,” he explained his defence policy.

“I will end this war in Iraq responsibly, and finish the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. I will rebuild our military to meet future conflicts.”

The 47-year old said he would renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

He called his wife, Michelle, the next first lady and later the family, including their daughters Malia and Sasha, stepped forward to the podium as fireworks rent the air. Running mate Joseph Biden and his wife, Jill, also came to the stage.

Retired Air Force Maj-Gen. J. Scott Gration praised Mr Obama saying he did well to speak about corruption when he came to Kenya in 2006.

Key personalities joined thousands of Kenyans in the US in following Mr Obama’s acceptance speech on TV.

Additional reporting by Edmund Kwena, Lucas Barasa and Walter Menya