Victory changes village’s fortunes

Lives of the Kenyan family of Barack Obama changed instantly on Wednesday after his victory in the US presidential election.

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company immediately set about digging holes to erect poles and lay cables to supply electricity to the home of Obama’s grandmother in Nyang’oma Kogelo.

Trucks and graders from the Ministry of Roads and Public Works were busy yesterday mending the road leading to the home.
More security personnel were sent to guard the home.

Siaya district commissioner Boaz Cherutich said the patrol base that was set up in the home would remain. “The district security team established the base to maintain law and order in the village,” he said.

Mr Cherutich said he was satisfied with the security arrangements at the home, adding that the patrol base did not interfere with the life of Mr Obama’s Kenyan relatives.

“They are moving freely and have welcomed many visitors,” the administrator said.

Mr Cherutich said no incidents were witnessed in the village during the night as residents kept vigil, awaiting the outcome of the polls.

The police post was established a day after an attempted robbery at grandmother Sarah Obama’s house.

Barbed wire fence

Since then strict security screening has been maintained. The hedge surrounding the home has since been replaced by a barbed wire fence.

The victory is likely to change the fortunes of the village, which has been put on the world map ever since Mr Obama captured the Illinois senate seat.

On Wednesday, the police in Kisumu said they were impressed by the manner in which the jubilant supporters who had thronged the streets to celebrate the victory conducted themselves.

In the past two days, heavy presence of riot police had been witnessed in the city following fears that a loss by Mr Obama would have sparked violent protests like the one which followed the December presidential elections.

The Oginga Odinga Street was a sea of humanity as jubilant youths sang along to the tunes of reggae musician Coco Tea’s about Obama. 

The police followed closely to ensure that unruly crowds did not take advantage to rob others.

Kisumu police boss Simon Kiragi said they were impressed by the maturity of the jubilant crowds, although major roads were impassable in the early part of the day.

Wild cheers and chants of “Obama! Obama!” erupted from bars and hotels where people had gathered to monitor the election results relayed on television sets.