Kenyans in the US bask in Obama’s spotlight

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.

“Though my four-year-old boy is called Alex, he has been nicknamed Obama by neighbours,” she said.

The Dallas, Texas, resident said she admires Mr Obama as a candidate who epitomises change and hope for immigrants in America, who comprise almost 30 per cent of the population.

“Immigrants, especially those of African descent have found a new impetus to raise kids in America in expectation of a repeat of the Obama phenomenon,” she said.

Buoyed by the high odds in Mr Obama’s favour to clinch the presidency, Kenyans in America, like many immigrants, are doing everything they can to ensure he wins the White House race.

Many of them are this week preparing to travel to Denver, Colorado, for the Democratic Convention, which will set the campaign ball rolling.

According to Daniel Ochweri, a Kenyan engineer working in the power industry in Kansas City, going to the convention will be worthwhile.

“I have to be in Denver to witness history being made. This is a defining moment in our history.

“If he wins, he will engage leaders here and abroad to find solutions to controversial issues and give our children a more positive future,” Mr Ochweri said.

Also travelling to the convention is Dr Abdullahi Siyad, who will put aside his busy schedule as a medical doctor to be part of the 75,000 people expected to listen to Mr Obama’s acceptance speech.

Fred Ododa, a Kenyan living in Michigan, regretted that he would not attend.

“Were it not for work commitments, I would have gone. I am sure many Kenyans will attend while many more will be glued to their television sets to witness history being made,” he said.

“The general election is coming up sooner than you think,” Peachy Myers, the field director for the Campaign for Change in Missouri said recently.

No experience

“Time flies when you’re building the largest grassroots campaign in the history of presidential politics. And that’s why we need to act now to organise communities and build this movement for change.”

The enthusiasm by Kenyans to participate in Mr Obama’s presidential bid increased after the campaign team announced that no experience was needed.

“All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action,” Mr Myers said.

The exact population of Kenyans in the US is unknown though the number is believed to be in the thousands, given the number of students, permanent residents and citizens.

Missouri alone has more than 15,000 Kenyans although a few of them are citizens and can vote. They are part of the 26 per cent of the strong immigrant communities in the United States’ 304 million-plus people.  

Though those who are not citizens cannot vote, they are crucial to the Internet fundraising that Mr Obama has become largely associated with, and which is giving him an edge over Republican competitor John McCain.  

“I am sure I will make the trip to Denver to be part of this history-making process. I will not vote in November so the best chance for me is to attend and hear Mr Obama’s acceptance speech,” said Lina Gathoni, who lives in St Louis.

According to Cornelius Ongaro, a civil engineering graduate of the University of Nairobi and a permanent resident living in St Louis, the best Kenyans who are not citizens can do is make Internet donations to his campaign kitty.

“I have yet to make a contribution but plan to do so in the last three months of the campaign,” Mr Ongaro said.

Frantic efforts

Inquiries by the Saturday Nation showed that some Kenyans who had acquired US citizenship were making frantic efforts to registers as voters.

Even those who would not be in the US can cast absentee ballots since US regulations allow this.

“I will be away in Kenya doing some consultancy work but will cast an absentee ballot before I leave,” said a white American, Frank Zilm, a staunch supporter of Mr Obama.

Kenyans who are eligible to become citizens but had not done so are now rushing to formalise their status so they can vote.

Another Kenyan living in Texas, Charles Obitah, says it is exciting to be a first time voter in the US at such a time.

“Becoming an American citizen this year could not have come at a better time as I intend to vote for Mr Obama in November,” he said.

Mr Zachary Akuma, an American citizen for 10 years who has been voting for the Democrats, sums it up: “The excitement and urgency this time can not be more paramount since Mr Obama represents change and hope in the White House. He has brought about a new brand of politics,” he said.