Democratic Senator Barack Obama has said in his acceptance speech that "change has come to America", after being elected the first black president of the United States.It gives me great pleasure at having to pen the first Kumekucha post congratulating the American voters for electing Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America.
Victory was more than decisive - Obama beating McCain by 338 to 155 electoral votes, CNN reported.
Obama, the first African-American to win the presidency, will take office on January 20, 2009, following an historic election in which an estimated 100 million American citizens voted.
Back home in Kenya, President Mwai Kibaki was not just among the first to send congratulatory message to the new President-elect, but he also declared Thursday November 6th 2008 a public holiday throughout Kenya. Almost everywhere around the country, Kenyans are in celebratory mood as people digest the fact that a man whom they share an ancestry has been elected to the helm of global political and economic power.
More updates later....but here are some images from Kogelo in Nyanza Province, taken about 7am Kenya time.
Kenyan family members of U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama, including his step-grandmother Sarah Obama, second left, and a distant cousin Reyson Obama, right, whose grandfather was the brother of Barack's grandfather, celebrate after his victory in the U.S. election was announced, at the family's homestead in Kogelo village, Kenya, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008. The village is where U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama's step-grandmother lives.Hot DVD Movies delivered to your door to door anywhere in Nairobi. Order online.
Change!Change!Change!Wake up to change!wake up to change!America has the first black president born of Kenyan heritage!
ReplyDeleteNo more excuses Kenyans-if black Obama senior could fly all the way to America and marry WHITE mama Barry and 47 years later produce the 44th president of the greatest country in the world, what is too hard for us Kenyans?what?what?
Now let divisive and negative ethnic politics in Kenya cease. let Luo&Kikuyu hug each others necks and bury the age old hatchet. let 42 tribes coalesce into one-we should not EXPORT international presidents and athletes and manpower and fail to REAP the benefits of our fruits of LABOUR to the world
Kenya is a ripe mango waiting to be eaten and enjoyed by the whole world-stop fighting and CHANGE kenyans!Change is Here!Change is Here!
Congratulations to the great people of America and to president elect Obama!
ReplyDeleteYes we can!
We sure can.
ReplyDeleteWith this we should never loose hope even when all seems just too gloom. The Obama's of Kenya should wake up and know its time for us to play a different game ... and that we should play it smart. The good will always win the day.
Congrats to Obama and all the best to what he and the Americans do.
***
Habari watu wa Mungu.
History Here We Come, President Obama
ReplyDeleteHe brought the roof down, challenged the paradigms, stirred superlative passions stirred, left numbers tumbling and eventually conquered the PRIZE. Ladies and gentlemen meet the 44th President of US of A, Barack Obama. YES WE CAN and he did it.
This was a campaign and victory like no other. Historians and journalistic will exhaust al relevant adjectives; EPOCH, PIVOTAL, HISTORIC, ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME and their derivatives to capture the moment.
And what a sweet culmination of a tension-filled finish? Surely, the preface FIRST has acquired a new meaning. And we are collectively the richer and proud for it. Obama has surmounted the imaginable. His message of hope has demonstrated how to triumph over pile high odds. The angry pitbull met his waterloo at the hands of calm and collected matador.
Kenya and African can immensely benefit from this election if only they seize the opportunity. The suspense laded Hollywood thriller has finally ended as scripted thanks to DISCIPLINCE and FIDELITY to single message – YES WE CAN. Self belief has never acquired wings of its own.
And give credit to McCain with his generous and gracious concession speech. The poor guy must be mad with rage at his fraudulent pollster for making him belief that numbers lie.
Obama’s win has changed the face of world politics forever. He has shattered the cheap and empty stereotypes bandied to belittle us simple because of the colour of our skin. We are standing at the threshold of a new political dispensation. Thank you Barack for clearing the thicket together with all the accompanying pains. Woe unto those still holding dear outdated ideals of yore.
In return we owe Obama a responsibility to emulate his virtues. His breathed life into otherwise ordinary words that has resulted into an extraordinary victory. His win represents a previously unimaginable triumph over centuries of racism and stereotypes against blacks.
Obama epitomizes HOPE and OPTIMISM. The polls and pundits have proved prophetic. It is celebration time and those who don’t like the weather can as well hold themselves incommunicado indoors, we won’t miss them regardless of how much we try. Viva Obama, YES WE CAN.
JAKOGELO i salute you. Eh yawa wang ni tek
ReplyDeleteWe should learn from the US elections that anyone can lead including leading the world's most powerful country. There is a group of Kenyans (not tribe) who are unusually quiet ove this win. Even in Kumekucha. Where is the hate now?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to the people of United States of America for showing maturity. Whoever said that a Luo is unelectable has been proved terribly wrong,Obama; although is American most African communities believe a son belong to the Father's clan so basically Obama is a Luo. We need to celebrate it
ReplyDeleteIt's a challenge for us Kenyans to shun tribalism and we start electing our leaders interms of ability not tribe,clan or relationships which we are notorious for. Never see me again as a Kiuk. Jang'o, Kale etc just see me as a fellow Kenyan
Kibaki's declaration of tomorrow a public holiday to clebrate Obama's victory is ill-advised and negatively impacts on our already ailing economy
I think we are loosing a whole day for celebrating instead of working to better our lives.
In honour of this historic moment, all hateful, ambiguous or irrelevant comments to this post will be deleted.
ReplyDeleteBlog Admin
THIS IS A SWEET VICTORY AGAINST PREJUDICES RACISM AND TRIBAL BIGOTRY, WE as kenyans are very proud and the message is NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. ALL KENYANS HAVE A CHANCE OF BECOMING THE PRESIDENT OF KENYA..
ReplyDeleteWITH OBAMA VICTORY, ITS TIME TO CHANGE THE ROAD TO PROGRESS.
LONG LIVE KENYANS AND THE ENTIRE WORLD.
Congratulations to Kenya and especially Nyanza.
ReplyDeleteBarak (Blessings) Hussein (Handsome) Obama has changed the world already.
Kenyans - it's time to UNITE and find a way forward (as well.)
Steve aka Dude.
Congratulations President Obama!
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with your misguided all-inclusive policies for embracing and celebrating the depraved Homosexual lifestyle (again heard in your speech today) but I acknowledge that this is a historic moment, not just for Americans, but for Kenyans.
What is even more impressive is that there will be a fully black woman as a first lady in the White House for the very first time.
Congratulations to a fellow Kenyan brother for a well fought and difficult campaign.
I'm truly impressed!
I have to admit that this was a shocker for me. I have actually lost some money. Looks to me the Bradley effect had the opposite result. Most whites voted for history. If I was American and white I would have voted for Mcain. Anyway Obama is now POTUS and it is time for him to walk his big talk. Managing the expectations will be one big job.
ReplyDelete"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
ReplyDeleteBarack Obama – President Elect USA
Blake,
ReplyDeleteBHO's wife was one major reason I never thought he would win. While whites appeared to accept his face, it seemed clear they did not accept the wifey: some saying she looked like a man. Wow, a real black first lady!
Favorite Obama quote: "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington.. I'm asking you to believe in yours.”
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteanon@12:22
ReplyDeleteWhat's your point? Don't rain on our party. Just go away.
Blogger Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteIn honour of this historic moment, all hateful, ambiguous or irrelevant comments to this post will be deleted.
Blog Admin
While concurring with the decision of the Blog Admn to delete unpleasant comments,it is important to those who cherish the blog that we maintain decency and decorum when debating even with those that we disagree with.
lately, the quality of debate has been highly compromised by ONE deranged blogger who thinks that by posting anonymous or using his numerous blogger IDs imagines we cannot identify him.
I am also aware he will react to this by continuing to SPAM the blog - at times with porn material - but I would like to assure him that I, as a champion of free speech and democracy, will always welcome him here and engage him for as long as he publishes/posts articles that warrant such responses.
Otherwise, we should all continue to observe the disclaimer advertised at the top of the blog.
Thank you.
Phil,
ReplyDeleteI concur with you, today is not the day of bringing up Kikuyu-Luo differences. Those issues can wait for another day. Also it would be better if we could restrict ourselves to English and Kiswahili in our comments.
While we celebrate in earnest today, I believe it would be more important to take a moment and ask ourselves what lesson we have taken from Obama's style of politics, and how best we can adapt it to our circumstances. Perhaps that would be a much more fitting honour to Obama.
HAIL TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA. MAY A BIRD OF GOOD OMEN CROSS HIS DAILY PATH THROUGHOUT HIS ADMINISTRATION.
Fired up and ready to go.. .. ..
ReplyDeleteHe did it with a black skin,
He did it with the middle name Hussein
He did it in the great US of A
Yes we can and yes he did......
All you haters suck it up!!!!!
Where are the tribal jingoist the foreskin haters?....
Reports reaching my desk say that even when he visited SA as US senator the SA political class ignored him, typical SA arrogance that did not stop him....Ongera Jakogelo...thats how we do it..
Sir Alex
PS the kenya ambassodor to US must be shittin on his pants.....
Anon 10:48 PM, I agree with you when you observed just as I have observed that "There is a group of Kenyans (not tribe) who are unusually quiet over this win."
ReplyDeleteI disagree with you just a bit, It is also the tribe. A lot of members of that tribe (you and I know which one) are very depressed as of now with this outcome - Obama's win.
In this short span of time since Obama won, I have been making it a point to know what they really think - I hear you ask me why? They have always very loudly said and mistakenly believed that a "jaruo" cannot lead, and just in case you forget, to them Obama has always be a "jaruo" that is why during the democratic party primaries virtually all the Kikuyu's that I know and met were all to a man and woman rooting for Hillary Clinton, ask yourself why. The answer is obvious.....
And how did i find our what they really thought and felt? This was very simple: their body language especially when I looked into their eyes (the eyes are the window to the mind) what I saw was obvious disappointment with the outcome. They try to hide it with words e.t.c but we can see it.
In as much as I would not have wanted to bring the issue of tribe during this happy time - at least for those Kenyans who do not think tribally, you do your own "research" and you will most likely come up with the same conclusion. They are so filled with so much IRRATIONAL HATE FOR LUOS AND ANYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH LUOS - This is the reason they had to STEAL THE ELECTIONS OF DEC '08, they - the whole community - are still in denial about this but that is the truth.
Another reason I am happy with the outcome of the US election: THEIR WAS NO STEALING OF THE ELECTION. McCain graciously accepted defeat. In Kenya the loser was declared the winner and the winner was declared the looser all as a result of the irrational hate they have towards Raila.
Right now, the these haters are quiet, they can't believe what hit them. However, you mark my words, they will soon come out of hiding and somehow try all that they can to discredit Obama's win, his Luoness, Luo's e.t.c whatever they can to to assauge their hate filled hearts.
why is the blog admin not deleting comment anon 2:13? u share the same tribal sentiments chris????
ReplyDeleteThis Anon 2:13 AM,
ReplyDeleteOop's I made a mistake, I was referring to the Election of Dec '07 and not Dec '08
I wrote this:
They are so filled with so much IRRATIONAL HATE FOR LUOS AND ANYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH LUOS - This is the reason they had to STEAL THE ELECTIONS OF DEC '08, they - the whole community - are still in denial about this but that is the truth.
This is what it should have been:
They are so filled with so much IRRATIONAL HATE FOR LUOS AND ANYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH LUOS - This is the reason they had to STEAL THE ELECTIONS OF DEC '07, they - the whole community - are still in denial about this but that is the truth.
i thot it was alll about Obama, now someone is making it a TRIBAL thing, chris pls delete these unnecessary comments ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteanon 2:57 said
ReplyDelete...They are so filled with so much IRRATIONAL HATE FOR LUOS AND ANYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH LUOS - ..
i hate to disaapoint you on this but the notion that Luo's are hated is not only an inferiority complex but a tired political line that politicians have made you believe. so get over it and identify your self not by your tribe but by your potentials. thats what we are celebrating today.
BTW you will be suprised that Obama is not a Luo at all...sorry but that's the truth...
Viva Obama
Anons 3:01 AM & 3:12 AM,
ReplyDeleteThe TRUTH SEEM'S TO BE HURTING.
Too bad. Poleni sana.
MORE TRUTHS FOR BOTH OF YOU TO GNAW ON.
THE TRUTH NEVER ROTS. You reap what you sow. If you STEAL, YOU WILL EVENTUALLY PAY FOR YOUR CRIME, HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES, YOU WILL PAY.
Phil,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations are in order for President Barack Obama.
I could not avoid, like Jesse Jackson, shedding a tear or two when he came on the pondium to give his acceptance speech.
Meanwhile the Obama phenomena will be a great influence on every country's politics for generations to come.
Yes we can!.
Haven't been here in a while-see what Obama can do?!
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note,I cherish the way he ran his campaign under the banner of unity, and hope his Kenyan counterparts emulate that.
America did it, and yes we can, too!
I always knew Obama would win since he was the favourite with bookmakers, a group that accurately predicted Bush's victories in 2000 and 2004.
ReplyDeleteMy late maternal grandfather was a kitchen toto (child mboch) for some mzungu called Knight but he still managed to attend Alliance. Mr Knight had a weekend digs in Naivasha. My late guka would be forced to dandia Knight's car from Nbi to Naivasha since his employer wouldn't allow him to ride inside. And those days tarmac was bilas. That's why wazees in all shags were supporting Obama because of such humiliating experiences.
@3.12 yes he is!
ReplyDeletehe is a luo-african-american. and he has never denied it too, that is the reason why he has always maintained his relationship with his luo side in kogelo.he has even said it in his book.
that is why he remembered his sister auma and other siblings from his luo side in his victory speech.
we luos just like everybody else in the world are proud of him.that doesnt make us tribalists, just proud luos.
my friend i'm afraid you and the rest of the haters here are the tribalists.
the rest of us, let's be happy proud and joyful and pray that obama will be blessed with strength and wisdom to overcome the massive challenges he has ahead of him.
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right.
I do not see Kibaki getting an invitation to attend the inauguration of Obama considering the controversial circumstances in which he (kibaki) swore himself back into office and even worse the way he is dilly dallying with the Waki / Kriegler reports.
That aside...the history of Obama and Kibaki is NOT GOOD. Given events of Obama's last trip here when Dr. Alfie Mutua literally insulted Senate Obama, and the well 'unhealthy' relationship his own dad had with Kibaki as Finance minister, to the point f frustrating the Senior Obama into an alcoholic, we - as subjects of Kibaki - are already starting on a wrong footing with the new US President....
Luckily, and just luckily, the ODM Captain - also Kenya's Prime Minister - is not only Obama's personal friend and relative, Raila is also a broadly accepted face of the Kenya Government in international circles....meaning he has a visa and is widely considered as having won Kenya's last presidential elections.Those are facts - even as we speak he is China representing the Kenya Govt at a UN Habitat conference.
That aside, there is an even stranger coincidence. The words OBAMA DEFEATS MCCAIN have only one acronym, and that is ODM, which incidentally is a house-hold name here in Kenya. I know superstitious Africans hate coincidences, but our turn is also coming. Can you smell the coffee?
Before your brethren start throwing barbs...I once again congratulate the man from Alego at his amazing accomplishments.
Folks,
ReplyDeleteWe have the right to celebrate as Kenyans. Like somebody pointed out, Tom Mboyas efforts have IN A SMALL WAY borne fruit. While some of those who were air lifted then came back to be the new colonizers of their fellow Kenyans, Obama senior went ahed and fathered the 44th president of the USA.
Obama could have chosen, like a lot of children born in circumstances similar to his, to ignore his roots and carry on with his "Americanness", but he did not.
What does Obama's win mean to us as a country? This depends on how we look at it. One could say his age mates in the current political dispensation are Uhuru, Mudavadi, Kalonzo, Ruto and the like. Does any one here get any inspiration from this characters? I do not.
In short, it is about time we as Kenyan youth rose to the occasion and changed our country. While at it, lets also remember that a THIEF is a THIEF, and a MURDERER is a MURDEROR irrespective of whether they are our relatives or not.
Let us also reflect on how far the blacks in the US have come from. If it were not for Rosa Parks, Martin Luther and the rest in the Civil rights movement, we would not be talking of a President Obama right now. We have to fight and fight had for the country that we deserve.
Phil,
ReplyDeleteLet's just cogratulate the guy, for today.
Tuanze porojo yetu kesho!
Not to spoil the broth good people
ReplyDeleteThough Obama won was the holiday necessary?
Have the americans gone on holiday i bet not....So why are we?
Come to think of it, African Americans were only granted right to vote about the same time Kenya got independence. In that 40+ years look, compare and contrast. Well, we are our own worst enemies. But all is not lost the 2002 FLAME can be re-ignited. Only that will have us retrace our steps to prosperity all else is living a huge lie. And we have Obama inspiration for a start. YES WE CAN.
ReplyDeleteIvy,
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, we are a WORKING NATION i recess. Ever heard of dancing yourself lame to a stuck record or weaping louder than the bereaved. Only in Africa where we are led by political gangsters and rapists who believe cold shower ni dawa ya AIDS can such imbecility thrive. All is not lost, the dancers will soon know the music has rythm and tehy are not upto scratch. Poor Alfie and co.
PS: Big Phil is reported to have suffered MILD STROKE (3-1) and Deca too is smarting from GRASS SHOCK after seeing red. Fly low if you know your wings are made of wax. Headed to Celtic Park, ole wao.
Jeff @ 5:59 AM,
ReplyDeleteNi wewe kuendelea (Kasi Iederee) na porojo Kesho.
anon1:45 A
ReplyDeleteyou are the same kikuyu who has been posting here negative things about Raila and Obama... Please move on if you can't join in the spirit of change and hope as an example kenyans have to follow....
where is the administrator ?? we do not need negatives propaganda from the likes of 1:45 AM
this individual should be beamed to Mashada!!!!
anon2:53 AM
ReplyDeletewhat? you can't even acknowledge facts when they are pointed out to you?? go read all the blogs from here on Kumekucha, Mashada and others.. you all called Obama Kihii and he could never win... why now are you trying to hide behind the keyboard... We as Kenyans have a lesson to learn.. no more tribalism... together we will conquer divided we will fail... and our children and grand children will suffer... wake up!!
Obama is a WORLD LEADER from ILLINOIS but trust the weak minds to try to pigeone-hole him to fit in a kogelo, alego or siaya orifice, but then hallucinations do not attract any tax, hallucinate won't you
ReplyDeleteanon3:12 AM
ReplyDeleteNow you want to deny Obama his birth right and his identity?? HIS FATHER so what exactly are you implying?? that obama senior was not Obama's father??( listen to his speech closely he thanked all his brothers and sisters) he knows where his gene originated from LUO LAND!!!!
shame on you... you are the type of individuals the world should rid off.. you disgust me.
Taabu i hear you loud and clear.
ReplyDeleteHallucination or no hallucination, the fact remains that Obama was sired by a JJ from Kogelo. Do you want us to start those wedding speeches...That if Just Obama senior elder brother killed Obama's grandma then it is plain and simple The world would not be celebrating This gr8 man today. In few words Obama has not refused his roots so i dont see why you should and i dont remember him appointing anyone his spokesman.
If you can't stomach it then we can't help you.
6:48 AM(kIKUYU GREEN WITH ENVY)
ReplyDelete"""Obama is a WORLD LEADER from ILLINOIS but trust the weak minds to try to pigeone-hole him to fit in a kogelo, alego or siaya orifice, but then hallucinations do not attract any tax, hallucinate won't you"""
6:48 AM
I GUESS IF YOU COULD REMOVE OBAMA SENIOR FROM BEING HIS FATHER YOU WOULD.. BUT DAMN YOU:):) TRY AGAIN.. THIS KIHII IS THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN THE WORLD TODAY.. HA!!HA!!HA!! POLE SANA WITH YOUR MALICE.. YET AGAIN AS KENYANS WHO WANT TO REMOVE TRIBALISM BEAST IN OUR MIST... YES WE CAN ... WE WILL DEFEAT YOU...
I shall be compelled to delete ALL comments touching on Obama's ethnicity unless the debate is stopped immediately.
ReplyDeleteI would still find time to post a decent comment if he were a Rendile or a Tuareg for all I care.
Kenyans will never progress simply because they do not see beyond their ethnicities, something that Obama himself has NEVER attributed to his success. Give us a break YOU IDIOTS!
ha ha ha ...I was wondering how long it be before grown men descended into the fact finding mission of another man's reproductive organs.
ReplyDeleteDoh wakenya hamna haibu jameni. Makende usiyonyonya wakuwachiani? Listen guys, Michelle's got that! She doesn't need your help in that department.
Phil,
ReplyDeleteLeave them, fr they do not know what they do.
On a more serious note, have a look at this....
http://slackeruprising.com/about.php
Any hope we can start such a movement?
Change!Change!Change!
ReplyDeleteIn honour of this momentous occassion i today hereby refuse to go on holiday tomorrow as i consider that a WASTE of my precious time but instead i'm changing my well known moniker from e-cop to e-CHANGE to suit the new mood history ushered in the past 24 hours
Kenyans, from now on let those authors penning posts on this blog ask themselves first before they write anything-1)What am i endeavouring to change for the good of my country through this written communication?
Let those bloggers leaving comments in this blog ask themselves first before they write anything-1)what good to my country am i hoping writing this comment will achieve?
A new dawn is here and only fools look in the mirror to forget their appearance. We cannot EXPORT Fathers of American Presidents, world-winning athletes and manpower yet fail to sample fruits of the same homegrown goodies for FREE within our own borders!Wake up Kenyans!Change is here!Change is here!
What is so difficult about coelescing 42 different tribes into one nation under God?If a black man can pull blacks and whites together in racial stereotype America then our own two-legged professional liars have their mammoth work cut out for them
Change!Change!Change!
E-Change;
ReplyDeleteWay to go.
The world is blessed that although his father was from Kogelo, Obama did not inherite the cultural limitations of of Kogelo. Those are the limitations that have reduced grown-up men into whining and stone throwing automatons of Raila.
ReplyDeleteJust how boring can people get?
ReplyDeleteInstead of savoring the moment, they regress to the lowest common denominator--crappy Kenyan tribalism. Bure kabisa!
e-change....not bad, you have lots of tough work to do on this blog, but you're well cut out for it. More power to you.
Meanwhile--congratulations to the USA!
Isn’t it amazing to note leaders who refused to bring change in their countries are celebrating a change taking place in another country , a change brought about by person they claim to be of their own blood and half their age.
ReplyDeleteWhen you visit Barack Obama's website what you see at the Top of the Web Page is his favorite quote:
"I'm Asking You to Believe...Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington. I'm asking you to believe in yours."
Did such leaders really thought what this quote might mean? Why can’t they pause for a moment and think about what it means to them and their counntries.
Zara Green says while trying to explain this quote
“ If "change" to you is about seeing a black man in the white house, then you are only perceiving a small portion of change should Barack Obama win the Presidency. If "change" to you is about seeing the gas prices decrease, then you are only perceiving a small portion of change should Barack Obama win the Presidency. If "change" to you is about keeping us safe from terrorists, then you are only perceiving a small portion of change should Barack Obama win the Presidency. If "change" to you is about every American having healthcare, then you are only perceiving a small portion of change should Barack Obama win the Presidency.
"In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists." -Eric Hoffer
If you believe that the issues you are facing in your personal life are solely the fault of our government then your perception of both, this election and your world, is one dimensional and while chanting "Yes We Can" today to get Barack Obama elected, you will, likely, be the very one blaming him later if you don't perceive, receive and willingly begin to perform your part of the "We" in the chant…….. We can not undo what is done - not in the world, our country, or our individual lives. Change has to begin with you, and in your own life...with the choices you make. Your personal choices are solely about you, but rarely do the decisions you make only affect you.”
See full article http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1127827
YES WE CAN, LIKE OBAMA
ReplyDeleteIn his campaigns Obama could have chosen to sing about the historical injustices done to African-Americans, but he didn't. Instead, he preached about the potentials that lay ahead.
Obama could have chosen to call the whites "kabila adui yetu," but he did not. Instead, he talked of unity and hope.
Obama did not win because he had black paternal blood from Kenya, or white maternal blood from Kansas. He won because of his up-lifting message delivered in a highly cultured temperament.
We can claim him as our own as much as we want, but if we don't emulate him, we will continue to wallow in our smallness.
Those who, like Phil, are mentioning Obama and Raila in the same breath are doing a disservice to the cause of progressive politics. Obama is a magnet for hope, change and unity. Raila is a magnet for tribal division, violence, and kleptocracy.
ReplyDeleteIf you cannot celebrate the universal Obama without dragging in the mud of our local politics then something is wrong with your socialising.
While we nurse our hangovers from our over-indulgence celebrating Obama's victory, the owners of the victory (the americans)have risen up early and are back to work. That tells you how much we search for a reason to avoid to hard work.
ReplyDeleteSome people are stil whining that they haven't been able to achieve much because others call them Kihii. Wow! Ours will be a glacial change, if ever.
ReplyDeleteDear Kenyan brothers and sisters, let's all get back to the facts and realize that Obama barely knew his Kenyan father - basically only during the first two years of his life and very briefly after that. So it doesn't really matter whether he was a Luo or Kikuyu, it doesn't even matter whether he was black, white, yellow or purple. Obama has great charisma and good ideas, and that's what it takes.
ReplyDeleteProf Ali Mazurui asked 'which country will be the first to have a Luo president, Kenya or the USA'. I guess he got his answer.
ReplyDeleteHistory sure wrote itself thanks to change hungry Americans. Happy Obama day
It was an honor to vote for your native son and ours.
ReplyDeleteEspecially as I am a son of Cambridge Massachusetts where both Barack Sr and Junior came to study- Thanks Phil for those photos from Kogelo- The story of the road from there to white house is remarkable in indeed-
Richard USA
Obama's Luo blood, whatever that means, did not get him into the white house. Get over that, you embarassing idiots.
ReplyDeleteWhy cant people just recognize hard work and smartness for what it is and drop that patron-client and tribal mentality that is a prime cause of our underdevelopment?
B-Carotene,
ReplyDeleteDon't lose sleep because of things you have no control over. If you don't like the weather stay indoors-but sorry you cannot do anything about it. Look, Obama is hailed as a global president-childhood in Asia (Indonesia), African paterentage and Middle Eastern name (H). And where is the African/Kenyan heritage? Ever heard of reverse envy clotheed in cheap gabs as an objective rant? Sorry for the unfavourable weather, you have no choice but to stay inside, you cannot change it, or can you? Pole.
isn't it amazing that Obama just won without whipping blacks emotions with slavery and 'kabila adui' antics???
ReplyDeletehope as we celebrate this victory, our politicians who have cultivated politics of hatred and bloggists like Taabu/Phil/Kalamari/Ivy who have been their crusaders can at least grasp something. well we know not all of us are blessed with intelligence but if they can grasp an iota of this important lesson then kenya can be a better place.
Concerned
yes we can and yes we will do the same all over the world where real change is most needed
ReplyDeleteto the haters of obama, haters of change, haters progress and haters of people from different ethnic backgrounds, here is a timely message for those frothing in self-inflicted hate:
bibamus, moriendum est ~ peace loving citizen of the changing world order.
some people believe people hate them...they even fear their own shadows...come on, move on and stop living in utopia of being hated and someone being responsible for your many problems.
ReplyDeletebe an Obama for once...
i ask, think what you can do for Kenya (Obama) not what he can do for you...te he he he..now that will no go well with molasses choir..bring on the insults loosers
Very interesting to see how people are trying to wrest Obama from his luo heritage, I think that is a private matter for him to deal with as he dims fit. So far he has shown that he values his luo heritage so get off it you retard, hatemonger, tribalist. The guy is LUO, nothing will ever change that, not even Obama himself. Now go do your bit n build the nation let the luos take pride in one of thier own and celebrate. Meanwhile u can go on obsessing about their private parts while they rule the world.
ReplyDeleteSir Alex.
Taabu:
ReplyDeleteI will repeat so that it gets into your thick skull. Obama's Luo blood, WHATEVER that means, did NOT get him into the whitehouse.
I happen to be in Indonesia for this week--in spite of an outstanding article and pictures of Obama on the Jakarta post, no one I know or have met here is running around screaming and ranting that he's Indonesian because he was raised here part of his life. Talk about class.
Having some strong familiarity with Harvard, I know what it takes to get there and greatly respect that. I have NO envy for Obama, even less so for the so-called Luo blood from a philandering father.
Anon@5:10pm
ReplyDeleteQuoting you....
isn't it amazing that Obama just won without whipping blacks emotions with slavery and 'kabila adui' antics???
Isn't it also amazing, that he won without STEALING, that he will be sworn in in broad daylight in January, that he will not order police to shoot and kill his fellow citizens for exercising their freedom of expression?
Tribalism is stupidity.
ReplyDeleteA fact is a fact. Obama has a Kenyan blood and that's why Kibaki declared Thusrday a holiday.
Obama has some Luo characters: loves discussions, is interlectuall, loves truth and fair play. That's why he initiated the CHANGE politics in the US and succeeded. Kenyan accepted CHANGE last year but they were robbed...
Obama can speak some Luo words but no Kiswahili (national language) nor Kikuyu (majority language in Kenya). He never tried to change his name to sound American, but chose to remain African and Luo, whom he is terribly proud of (Dr Rita Auma Obama, my classmate at Kenya High has just proved it to me).
Obama knows the direction of Kisumu or Siaya but not Karatina or Nyeri.
Those of you who claim Obama is not a Luo, also mean that Obama is not a Kenyan (in the African context).
Then why did Kibaki hurry to declare a holiday in his honour? Not even the US would do that.
Kenyans be proud to be associated with this man, even if you dont want a change in your country.
The first African language to be spoken at the WHITE HOUSE will be LUO. All East and North African LUOS are very proud of that.
KENYANS CELEBRATE YOUR KING HAS BEEN BORN.
Taabu/Phil/Calamari,
ReplyDeleteFor once borrow a leaf from Obama. Demand more from yourselves and less from others. Do not let your hatred for those who may have called you "kihii" diminish your potential in life. Be masters of your destiny. Yes, YOU CAN. If Obama, who was raised by a single mother, can, you too can.
Yes, YOU CAN overcome your cultural upbringing of tribal hate and whining.
Dear Fellow Obama Admirers,
ReplyDeleteLet us not forget that his success is not attributable to the tribal blood running in his veins, but to hard work, sunny outlook, and a highly cultured and disciplined temperament. These characteristics can be learned, and YES WE CAN learn them.
Obama could have chosen to throw stones at the whites when they called him a nigger, but he didn't. Instead, he set out to win them over through hard work of positive engagement. We all have a responsibility to make the correct choices especially those among us who feel they are hated.
ReplyDeleteyes we can, even in kenya. we are unbuogable
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Obama! There's no doubt now that you can and you will!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes.
Kibaki and your cronies,take a leaf out of McCaine's book of how to graciously accept defeat.
ReplyDeleteRaila and your cronies, learn from Obama's steel nerve, do not despair in the face of adversity by resorting to violence.
Now both of you, use this great opportunity to put Kenya in a better bargaining position with America, dont demand for more aid instead demand for more significance because of Kenya's strategic geographical position, demand for more training and skill development opportunities for young Kenyans to create more mini-obamas to re-build and re-define Kenya.
Work on attracting more American tourists before South Africa and Tanzania takes this opportunity completely away from you.
These are just a few of the things Kenyans can do.
There's so much potential for Kenya's development with an obama administration.
And for once Kenyans grow out of that jaded and dangerous tribal mambo jambo.
This is the twentyfirst century.
This will crack your ribs; my home that is my mum’s place will be connected to mains grid for free courtesy of Obama. My home lies on the way to his granny’s, all over sudden funds are available for good roads- What a hypocracy!!
ReplyDeleteMy question is what a change of heart and where did the money come from?
The icing on the cake is that a new police post has also surfaced from nowhere
We call these masters of platitude and court jesters trying to catch his eyes and ears, whilst poverty is ravaging people. His presidency will not change any thing, take is that American economic issues, security is priority no 1. America is at crossroads with the credit crunch splitting hairs within economic circles.
Having said that though, he personifies the melting point for disadvantaged to exploit their potential to be better persons and work cohesively without looking back. In short it will promulgate a new wave and wind to make us believe that we can achieve anything regardless of our background. Therefore it is you and I to start in a small way to make a difference, the Obama’s complement our efforts!!!. In our cries for change we often shout loud looking for someone out there, which may be you. I sound cynical and condescending but I believe in people making an effort, with goodwill from the governing body. Our leaders have failed us a great deal, although I think we need to pull our pants up too.
It is now 10 months since the infamy of Kibaki, at every opportunity leaders remind us of what happened spending their precious time on witch hunting. Media is not left out, for heavens sake cant we move on using reflections of the past to jumpstart a new dawn from Kenya – Where a kikuyu is not seen as an enemy of luos but a partner in fighting this scourge DEVELOPMENT, CHANGE and a smile in other’s face!!
Kenyans need to open a new leaf and use this victory to pump prime a change of attitude and approach to pull together our resources, connections to tap on opportunities in our midst. Let us come together for common purpose to build Kenya banking on the good will and the branding that is coming for free, courtesy of Obama
-Access to services
- Employment-linking skills to employment opportunities
- Health
- building stable social economy
Use this opportunity to heal the wounds and nurture a common front that looks at Kenya not ethnic strap line, we have a salesman who is offering all these for free the 4Ps PRICING,PRODUCT,PROMOTION &PLACE
For my luo brothers/sisters-reaction to the euphoric attribute
This is a manifestation of poverty promulgated in frustration and hopelessness amidst the luos. In this scenario people get attached to negative beliefs, especially the ones that are practically not within the landscape of life that we straddle through.
Luos are pragmatic people who sometimes misplace their energy which makes them stop thinking constructively demonizing opponents blindly, hence the wild euphoria. That is not to say that intrinsically they like putting logic into arguments. They often place two glaring blind spots by underestimating (or denies) the COSTS of having the negative belief or overestimates (or denies) the BENEFITS of having the negative belief.
Kenyans at large are suffering from habitual negative expectations coated with imaginary illusion that comes with ‘protective’silicon lining to improve their lifestyle. Sometimes they put themselves in the worst possible position in life just to have nowhere to go but up?
And let us not forget that little problem called SELF-FULFILLING PROPHESY. Since we get what we expect, it's safer not to expect the worst. This discourse shifts the paradigm slightly in trying to dodge responsibility for the luos in their own attitudinal or behavioural flaws by making the world or the people in it bad and wrong. This is often taken advantage of by politicians for their selfish gain, hence the Raila euphoria. I am not trying to be an apologist although am a proud luo, this activities need to be condemned in totality The actions can be equated to a husband who irritates his wife by staying out with the boys too much. He justifies his actions by saying, "I'm not insensitive; women are intolerant." That negative belief relieves his guilt but hurts the marriage.
Luos need to roll up their sleeves and look at things positively rather than riding on false glory. On the contrary am not denying what Obama epitomises for the world, the gel that personifies hope, change, belief in oneself to exploit the hidden potential irrespective of whatever situation we are in. We can accomplish any goal as long as we have faith in ourselves driven by our wish /motivation to achieve without placing a chip on our shoulders.
OOh a hilarious one that is coming in Kenya high comission will be wasting tax payers money organising Obama victory party in the most expensive hotel in LOndon (included are free drinks and food). I have been invited but declined to attend. Why not organise it and ask people to pay for food and drinks?
This will crack your ribs; my home that is my mum’s place will be connected to mains grid for free courtesy of Obama. My home lies on the way to his granny’s, all over sudden funds are available for good roads- What a hypocracy!!
ReplyDeleteMy question is what a change of heart and where did the money come from?
The icing on the cake is that a new police post has also surfaced from nowhere
We call these masters of platitude and court jesters trying to catch his eyes and ears, whilst poverty is ravaging people. His presidency will not change any thing, take is that American economic issues, security is priority no 1. America is at crossroads with the credit crunch splitting hairs within economic circles.
Having said that though, he personifies the melting point for disadvantaged to exploit their potential to be better persons and work cohesively without looking back. In short it will promulgate a new wave and wind to make us believe that we can achieve anything regardless of our background. Therefore it is you and I to start in a small way to make a difference, the Obama’s complement our efforts!!!. In our cries for change we often shout loud looking for someone out there, which may be you. I sound cynical and condescending but I believe in people making an effort, with goodwill from the governing body. Our leaders have failed us a great deal, although I think we need to pull our pants up too.
It is now 10 months since the infamy of Kibaki, at every opportunity leaders remind us of what happened spending their precious time on witch hunting. Media is not left out, for heavens sake cant we move on using reflections of the past to jumpstart a new dawn from Kenya – Where a kikuyu is not seen as an enemy of luos but a partner in fighting this scourge DEVELOPMENT, CHANGE and a smile in other’s face!!
Kenyans need to open a new leaf and use this victory to pump prime a change of attitude and approach to pull together our resources, connections to tap on opportunities in our midst. Let us come together for common purpose to build Kenya banking on the good will and the branding that is coming for free, courtesy of Obama
-Access to services
- Employment-linking skills to employment opportunities
- Health
- building stable social economy
Use this opportunity to heal the wounds and nurture a common front that looks at Kenya not ethnic strap line, we have a salesman who is offering all these for free the 4Ps PRICING,PRODUCT,PROMOTION &PLACE
For my luo brothers/sisters-reaction to the euphoric attribute
This is a manifestation of poverty promulgated in frustration and hopelessness amidst the luos. In this scenario people get attached to negative beliefs, especially the ones that are practically not within the landscape of life that we straddle through.
Luos are pragmatic people who sometimes misplace their energy which makes them stop thinking constructively demonizing opponents blindly, hence the wild euphoria. That is not to say that intrinsically they like putting logic into arguments. They often place two glaring blind spots by underestimating (or denies) the COSTS of having the negative belief or overestimates (or denies) the BENEFITS of having the negative belief.
Kenyans at large are suffering from habitual negative expectations coated with imaginary illusion that comes with ‘protective’ silicon lining to improve their lifestyle. Sometimes they put themselves in the worst possible position in life just to have nowhere to go but up?
And let us not forget that little problem called SELF-FULFILLING PROPHESY. Since we get what we expect, it's safer not to expect the worst. This discourse shifts the paradigm slightly in trying to dodge responsibility for the luos in their own attitudinal or behavioural flaws by making the world or the people in it bad and wrong. This is often taken advantage of by politicians for their selfish gain, hence the Raila euphoria. I am not trying to be an apologist although am a proud luo, this activities need to be condemned in totality The actions can be equated to a husband who irritates his wife by staying out with the boys too much. He justifies his actions by saying, "I'm not insensitive; women are intolerant." That negative belief relieves his guilt but hurts the marriage.
Luos need to roll up their sleeves and look at things positively rather than riding on false glory. On the contrary am not denying what Obama epitomises for the world, the gel that personifies hope, change, belief in oneself to exploit the hidden potential irrespective of whatever situation we are in. We can accomplish any goal as long as we have faith in ourselves driven by our wish /motivation to achieve without placing a chip on our shoulders.
anon@6:08 PM
ReplyDelete"living in utopia of being hated" is an oxymoron.
same to you, "be an obama" for a change and try fighting for real change, equality, tolerance, peace and an end to the kind of quasi nazi-tribal-superiority that still pervades the minds of some certains individuals and particular enclaves in kenya.
if i may ask, what can a smart person like you ....(you know who you are, all you need to do is take a very good look in the mirror and figure out what and who you really are: peacemaker or tribal hatemonger).... do to bring an end to endemic ethnic hate, social decay, perennial political hooliganism, economic stagnation and systemic corruption that has been the order of the day in kenya since the 1960s?
by the way, i guess the term "molasses choir" has become a favourite passedword that enables certain individuals to enter into the hating-fields against anyone who disagrees with your well cultivated perception.
anyway, i am sure you are a very smart individual who still has the ability to learn, understand and make judgements or opinions that are based on reason rather than motivated by a well cultivated and deep-rooted perennial hate for others.
Sir Alex
ReplyDeleteHow did Obama describe his father? Please answer that honestly. He described him as a womaniser, alcoholic and troubled soul yet this is the link you are deperately trying to hold onto surely when a fool is cursed he thinks he is being praised, the bible couldn't have been more apt
Okuche,
ReplyDeletewhat PRESIDENT OBAMA thinks of his father doesn't take away the fact that he has LUO blood.
Meza waru!
Do these die hard Luo-Haters not realize that silence would have been THE BETTER OPTION? Your jealousy, anger & bitterness at the fact that the Luo have produced such a great man is absolutely humourous as well as hideous. Even Barack himself said in dholuo, "ero kamano...oriti" when he was in Kenya back in 2006, while in K'Ogelo. AND FOR CRYING OUT LOUD HE CATEGORICALLY & CLEARLY MENTIONED HIS SISTER AUMA, ALONGSIDE MAYA & ALL HIS BROTHERS & SISTERS (yes that includes the luo brothers & sisters) during his acceptance speech this wed...Mezeni wembe tano!!!
ReplyDeleteDenial of this fact will never change the truth & by the way, those are the actions of a man connecting to his roots!!!
Your loud obnoxious selves are revealing your true fears. That one day the luos whom you have worked effortlessly to put down will finally rise (its already happening) Your fears that the Luo will avenge this demonization is real & it's pulpating in your posts...time will tell. But be assured not even your stolen goods (2007 election, which was stolen because of this fears) won't protect you guys anymore. That is the shocking sweet truth, wake up & smell it!!!
When Kivuitu is not tallying the votes, there is democracy!
ReplyDeleteThe illegitimate sloth at SH in declaring a public holiday, said this was in recognition of President Obama's Kenyan (Kogelo village/Luo) roots.
ReplyDeleteWhy his blind followers cannot accept this fact beats me.
This one goes to that PNU-Central Kenya advert for ToSS that was meant to be a diss that some people will just do anything to be recognizeD.......waat these knaw it all loosers do not know is that YES WE CAN ..OMUSKHAKULU can take hot porridge.....miss babes can walk on rope..yes do anything..YES WE CAN..YES WE CAN
ReplyDeleteSo should we be discussing what tribe President Obama is? Face it morons; Some things are just so doltishly off-putting. And the sooner we learn that the better.
ReplyDeleteThe kings and princes of impunity were also lost for words , but will they learn anything from this prince of integrity? , hell no!
ReplyDeleteWhere is raila any way after being cajoled by party hawks , is this guy that desperate to be president he would rather dine with muderes than cry with ordinary kenyans.
Hurts someone that a LUO is the most powerful man on earth! And I doubt this is going to change.
ReplyDeleteIf only Obama lost, what would they say? LUO THIS, LUO THAT.
Once again, if you cannot stand the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen. The fact is that Obama won, and you have to live with that.
Now they want us to use strictly English and/or Kiswahili here in Kumekucha: and we know that they cherish their Kikuyu language so much that they don't care whether the other 41 tribes are hurting.
But I don't blame them, because I know they will get over it the same way we got over the fact that the very first LUO President did not assume power thanks to their egocentric ambitions.
Kikuyus, we are coming for you 2012 – or even as early as 2009.
Kenyans are doomed, i.e if they don't change and soon. Instead of learning from Obama's historical message of reconciliation and hard work to take America in a new direction(Yes we can! Change we can believe in!) and applying the same to the Kenyan context, the issue has been reduced to tribal mud bath wrestling in true Kenyan style pitting Luos against Kikuyus. Such idiotic and primitive nonsense. Upuzi mtupu!
ReplyDeleteThe example of Obama's powerful intellect,liberating class and civilized outlook towards those he has differences with is already lost to the mindless nitwits thinking that his being of Luo heritage somehow diminishes his loyalty and accountability to the American electorate that put him in office. The unstated implication is that he OWES Luos for siring him and that it is imperative that he diverts and directs American resources to help Luo Nyanza, and if he denies Kikuyus the same, the better. Well, Luos are going to wait a long for that to happen.
There is nothing wrong in being proud that a man of Luo heritage has been put into the White House, but the similarities with him end there. As much as Obama is of Luo heritage, he is NOT of Luo culture. If Obama, God forbid, were to die today, there will be no tero buru ceremonies and no brother of Obama's from Kogelo will inherit Michelle. His culture is through and through American and his first and only constituency is the American electorate who put him in the White House, not his Luo kith and kin, and it would be wise to tone down the stratospheric expectations of American largesse being diverted to Kenya for personal gain, as some of the naive posters here and in Kenya in general are implying. It simply won't happen.
It is so called Kenyan intellectuals who are fanning these foolish, embarrassing and childish expectations led by the press especially the EA Standard. However, there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel as listening to Citizen Radio this morning, i realized that the ordinary Kenyan in Kisii, Kisumu, Webuye, Kericho, Nyeri, Meru or Mombasa has already internalized Obama's message and is already way, way ahead of the so called intellectuals, some of them here on KK, in GETTING what Obama is all about. These ordinary Kenyan farmers, artisans, mechanics, jobless youth etc., expressed very mature sentiments on the Citizen Radio call talk show Jambo Kenya in appealing for Kenyans to rise above tribalism and elect enlightened leadership regardless of tribe.
The contempt for Kenyan politicians was especially palpable. If anybody doubts this, take the time and listen in, you will be surprised by the depth of insight from these proud, hardworking and patriotic Kenyans. These Kenyans just require a Kenyan Obama clone to direct their expectations and Kenya will never be the same again, far removed from our spiteful so called elite who are as ill-informed as baboons in conference at the United Nations.
I would like to congratulate Barack Obama, President - Elect of the US of A for this great achievement not only for all the American people, but for all the black people in the world.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that his victory has been watered down here into tribal epithets, sad indeed, but it exposes how much work we have ahead to bridge the Kikuyu-Luo gap, and the tribalistic 'demons' within us as a whole.
What, if i may ask, is wrong with the Luo being proud that one of their own has ascended, against all odds, to the highest seat of power in the world? So what if his 'luoness' has nothing to do with it?
Who are these Kikuyus who were supporting Hillary just because Obama is Luo? How can the Obama candidacy, and his victory, be watered down to such sentiments??
The likes of Leopold Senghor, Steve biko, Aime Cesar, Dr. ML King, Rev. Jesse Jackson and the rest of the pioneers of black consciousness would have been proud of these momentous occasion- a black man leading the free world!! But as Kenyans, instead of viewing it from that angle, we pour water by continuing our senseless quest for tribal supremacy.
It is time we learn from jakogelo. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR MESS. THE TRIBALISTIC NOTIONS IN OUR HEARTS, MINDS AND SOULS CAN ONLY BE CONQUERED FROM WITHIN. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR FUTURES AS WELL. WHATEVER WE DO FROM NOW ON WILL INFLUENCE THE DIRECTION OUR COUNTRY WILL TAKE.
IT IS TIME FOR OUR GENERATION TO LEAD THE CHARGE, LEAD FROM THE FRONT, EMBRACE ETHNICITY AS SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE US STRONGER, HEDGE AGAINST NEGATIVE ETHNICITY, LET THE PAST NOT DICTATE OUR FUTURE, ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF THE KENYAN NATION, STRENGTHEN THE WORDS OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM....
President Obama has challenged us. If he, against all odds can win the presidency, the we, the kenyan people interested in progressive nation-building and healing, can reclaim our country from this political class that is massively out of touch with the needs of the people.
The stage is set, for a political vacuum will exist upon the implementation of the Waki Report, and we need to be ready. Ready to start the long journey to our great future.
The change is within....
This is my call to fellow patriots, are you ready to walk the talk, to be the change?
Obama came to kenya all by himself and went all the way to his shags, sat with his grandma, must have used those primitive toilets, took photos with his relas, then came back as US senator, not at the invitation of anyone. He choose to connect to his kenyan luo roots inspite of his relationship with his father, his mother too never made him change his name. The guy is luo, by choice and by birth, even by traditionaly accepted luo 'trait's intellectualism, public service..he is living proof that one can make a meaningful contribution to society without being a business man/woman as some narrow minded retards have been preachin here ad nauseaum.
ReplyDeleteSir Alex
kimi raikoko.
ReplyDeletepoint taken.
we already know how you hate us luos with a passion.
stop the foaming in the mouth and endless jibberish.
good day.
I'm a Luo
ReplyDeleteAnd so does Obama has a Luo blood in him.
It makes me proud of that, and so should it also make other Africans proud.
But this pride should not be used to fight other tribes because they fought us. Instead we should use it to to get united. To come together so that tomorrow we can also vote for someone regardless of race, tribe, gender and age.
The following is what I have learnt:
That anybody, regardless of tribe, race, age and gender can become a leader.
That we should see one's qualities of leadership regardless of his tribe, gender, age and race before we make a decision of who to vote for.
That in order to build our country we need to unite and disregard tribe, gender, age and race.
Kimi,
ReplyDeleteIn you element best and nobody would fault you. If only you sel-prescribed and imbibed from the wisdom of RADIO TALK show. Your post is so much filled with the same stuff they deride and you unwittingly convince yourself in the sermon that you are better. Well, the box can tinker but not expand.
Kimi said:
.....The unstated implication is that he OWES Luos for siring him and that it is imperative that he diverts and directs American resources to help Luo Nyanza, and if he denies Kikuyus the same, the better. Well, Luos are going to wait a long for that to happen...
That is a premise well, cooked and served. You must be suffering indigestion. You really make it easy to see through your gimmicks. Go on, indulge and please yourself.
Taabu, DO YOU or DO YOU NOT agree with me, that much as it is right to be proud of Obama as a man of Luo heritage in the most powerful office on earth, he is first and foremost an American, and that he owes his loyalty FIRST to America? OR, do you agree with those who claim that he owes his loyalty FIRST to the Luo Nation, courtesy of his heritage?
ReplyDeleteDo you also agree or not agree that it is only right that the Americans who put him in office lay claim to him first, and not Luos in Kenya, who are free to claim him second, and then Kenyans in general third? If you agree that the Americans who put him in office should claim him first, does it not follow then that his FIRST AND FOREMOST duty is to serve the American taxpayers and citizens who have employed him to take care of their interests? If you agree with all that, why the misplaced euphoria about his success and how it will translate to automatic Kenyan material success, when it would be far more profitable to benefit from his wisdom and correct whatever is wrong with our own Country? We DO HAVE our own country, remember?
Kimi said:
ReplyDelete....We DO HAVE our own country...
Precisely and why would you want to to play an American role reminding us of what their resident is meant to do? That amounts to a smokescreen at best. And by the way, the fact that cheerleaders are all over Obama, do you have to take that low path and go low? You have gone to the extend of CALIBRATING and prioritizing (FIRST), I wonder who implied that among the supporters. You see bro Kimi, insinuation and assumptions often gives away one's inner misgiviongs and opinion.
Look around you and see the hypocracy even in Kibaki declring a holiday not even UScould afford. While Aug 2006 his Mutua was so abussive dismising the same Obama as ignorant without Kibs raising a finger. Ever heard of double stds and mouring louder than the bereaved? Mark you we are meant to be a working nation not a holidaying one. Eyes on political/favour price.
That said, Obama has raised the bar so high so much so that those peddling his values without full grasp only end up doing the guy injustice. He has changed the face of global politics forever and banished some of teh stereotypes to abyss. Please joim him-YES WE/U CAN Kimi. I am moving there too.
Taabu, you say:
ReplyDelete"...That said, Obama has raised the bar so high so much so that those peddling his values without full grasp only end up doing the guy injustice..."
Do you or do you not count yourself amongst the above? You also haven't answered a single one of the earlier questions i asked.
I am also not "playing an American role" whatever that means. If you recall, i was the one who called for young Kenyans right here on KK to embrace Obama and his ideas about two months ago, but you guys chose to reduce the issue to a tribal contest, which was not surprising. Who is being a hypocrite here?
You claim that my "insinuations and assumptions give away ones inner feelings", yet you do not explain how or what those feelings may be. You are just making mere allegations, which hints at a streak for worthless pettiness. You seem incapable of believing that anybody other than a Luo is capable of admiring Obama, and if they do, they have no right to do so. Well, who gave you that mandate to judge people so? Your capacity as a Luo? Give me a break.
Many Luos do not seem to have realised that Obama is not just a man of their heritage, he is an idea that is much, much bigger than local Luo desires and aspirations, and you do him no justice whatsoever by dragging his name into your anachronistic and unhelpful differences with Kibaki and Mutua. What does that have to do with Obama or who he is now?
Kimi,
ReplyDeleteNice to see you hanging on soberly albeit with your rademark asssumptions. Now you have labelled me several things but if only you would know? You may have joined KK this year and so UNAWARE of your ilk who gets hot when Kibs is criticized.
The same people aboard your boat backed Mutua on dismissing Obama as junior senator and Kibs kept quiet. You see you chose to sound grandiose but denying the small details is what constitutes foundation of pettiness.
You claim that I have ducked your qsns. Well, either you haven't read my respeonse of you asked qns with preconceived ans whcih I refused to recite, pole.
Otherwise we both agreee on OBAMANIA and if you chosse to hallucinate on own own oblivious of the environement then that is also personal democracy. Just compare and contrast the respect of working institutions that enabled Obama surmount all hurdles and see the people turning the screws at our loacl joinery? Well, we have eyes and whatever they see can be so selfish. Over to you bro.
Taabu, guess who said this:
ReplyDelete"...Kenyans should not expect charity handouts from the United States simply because Mr Obama was to be the next US
President...Kenyans know that Barack Obama is a US president and we therefore do not expect any kind of charity following his election....the Obama win was a source for pride for all humanity because it had broken the racial barrier. He said that it had also proved that anyone could achieve anything if they were determined to do so..."
That was Raila Odinga speaking yesterday. What is the difference with what i have been saying all along? Kenyans need to sober up and get over the Obama hangover and embrace more realistic US/Kenya cooperation.
Why aren't Kenyan "leaders" for example talking about how the AGOA agreement could be enhanced to help Kenya export goods to the US on preferential terms? There are 10000 items listed as eligible in that agreement that could be exported duty free to the US, not just Textiles. Why do we just focus on Textiles when it is clear we cannot compete in that area with the Chinese? Why couldn't we export organic foodstuffs instead and which fetch much higher prices than GM based foods? It is in fact very foolish for Ruto to promote GM Crops here as he is now doing, that is mindless idiocy exemplified. Kenya does not have to starve if we professionally manage our farm lands. Did you know that one could partner with a well financed US citizen to export organic foodstuff products and all you have to do is have a registered company, some land(You can lease from Govt trust lands) and an idea of what product you could export under AGOA? Look at what Dominion has done in Nyanza. That example can be multiplied a thousand times. Also, under an Obama Govt, the direct flight project from Nairobi to New York and other US cities should be enhanced to bring to reality direct and faster commerce as soon as possible. It would take just eight hours to fly to New York, which means the US would be as near as Europe. Another area is in opening the doors to US/Kenya dual citizenship. The thousands of Kenyans with US Citizenship have funds they are ready to invest in their home country.
Kimi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping the fire on. You are damn right and one thing we both agree on from different perspective is WE ARE DON'T MATCH our words with actions as a nation. That is one premise that makes me seeth with anger. Whom are we fooling but ourselves.
We are a country by mere geographical accident. Since independecne we have been having rulers and theives and the need for CHANGE is evidence we know what we want. In the meantime all the avenues are cloged by the eating theives. You can only do what is LEGAL and all the paths are sealed if you honestly look at it.
Obama's ispiration will not be for naught. RAO may also choose to wax lyrical with his advice, but he is not talking to you and me since we are ABOVE his average audience. The same applies to Ruto with his populist yet destructive antics. We have no bodies for the poisonous GM foods, ashindwe.
Well said, Taabu. Now you are talking. Lets keep the fire burning on how to unshackle ourselves from the bondage of Kenya's hopelessly mediocre politicians. Kenya can and should do far,far better than most of Africa.
ReplyDeleteWe are better educated and have a more potent indigenous workforce and human resource base than South Africa or Nigeria, yet our politicians are just too blind, greedy, egotistical and stupid to lead. As Ted Turner, the founder of CNN said, "Either lead, follow or get out of the way". Our politicians have proved they are capable of none of these. I know it is a daunting task, but unshackling ourselves has to begin somewhere in small steps and it has to start with you as an individual. It means that as an individual, you must believe in yourself, that your personal interests come first and NOT the politician's, and that you your loyalty to Kenya first and foremost before your tribe.
I have started my own little small steps project in that respect and it will catch fire soon enough. I will inform you what it is all about soon, all in good time. You can be sure though, it is borrowed heavily from Obamaism. Enough of the bullshit and mediocrity, it is time for Kenya to stand up, we can be better than and as good as anybody.
Kimi,
ReplyDeleteHope bado upo and good luck in your endevours to make a difference. Count me on any noble venture. Just as a warning from a dear friend keep it straight and don't bend the rukles to accomodate low minds and while at it no engaging in street/village ala A/B. Ala msiki and runs fast.
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