Kisumu to hold vigil to keep up with results
A street vendor displays a clock bearing the portrait of U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama, in Kenya's Kisumu town. PHOTO/ REUTERS
Anxiety hit fever pitch in Kisumu on Monday as residents awaited the climax of the contest for the top seat in the US.
Dealers in T-shirts, badges and caps bearing the Democrat candidate’s portrait recorded brisk business.
Local and international journalists have descended on the lakeside town with high powered communication gadgets.
Kisumu district police commander Simon Kiragu said that his officers were monitoring the goings on.
“We are set for any eventuality and we have arrangements in place,” he said.
For many residents of Kisumu, Barack Obama’s victory is sure and plans are underway for victory parties.
Entertainment
“It is very obvious that Obama is winning,” Mr David Omondi said.
A vigil is planned on Tuesday night at Moi Stadium and Jomo Kenyatta Grounds where residents will have an opportunity to monitor the results on big screens.
Entertainment spots have lined up a menu to fete Obama’s imminent victory in the hotly contested polls and many benga and ohangla musicians will be camping in Kisumu for the better part of this week.
Churches have not been left behind in the craze. Last Sunday, the “Obama Prayer Day” was marked at Kisumu Social Hall.
The prayer day was the climax of a series of week-long interdenominational prayers on local vernacular radio stations.
