Celebration in Kenya as Obama set to take office

Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States on Tuesday. Photo/ FILE

What you need to know:

  • Two bulls have been slaughtered early Tuesday morning in Kogelo village, Nyanza.

  • Kenyans will follow the inauguration ceremonies on giant screens.

On the day that Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the US, celebrations have taken off in his father’s homeland of Kenya.

In Nyanza’s Kogelo village, the rural home of his father Barack Obama Snr, two bulls have been slaughtered early Tuesday morning in anticipation of an overnight party after his inauguration in Washington DC.

Being a farming community, the residents are still tending to their farms before going to celebrate their son’s achievement.

They are expected to trickle in at the homestead at around 11.00 am.

In major cities across the country, Kenyans will follow the inauguration ceremonies on giant screens placed in strategic places and in entertainment spots.

In the coastal town of Malindi, the local brew (Mnazi) went out of stock at the nearby Mbuzi Wengi centre.

Residents of Kisumu Ndogo village were in upbeat mood as they waited enthusiastically for the ceremony at 8pm.

“We are so excited because we know it is Kenya taking over America. Our own Barrack Obama is becoming the most powerful man on earth. Isn’t that something worth celebrating?” posed Mr Stephen Ogalo from Watamu village.