Is Obama the best Kenyan?

[Kofi]

Most Kenyans took to the streets with flags and signs (some reading "Obama the best Kenyan") celebrating over Obama's nomination as the Democrats Presidential candidate for the 2008 general elections. With their beloved son on the Democratic ticket, most Kenyans did not hesitate to stay awake all night tracking Obama's Live speech from Denver and the whole of Kenya: North, South, East and West took to the streets amidst singing and dancing at the mentioning of the the name "KENYA" in the first paragraph of Obama's speech.

Presidential nominee Barack Obama extolled his Kenyan connection in a bold 44-minute speech which has raised the stakes in the race to the United States' White House. Accepting the nomination as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee for the November 4 US General Election, the Illinois senator had space to mention Kenya in his first paragraph, according to extracts of a speech issued to the Press. He reminded the 80,000-plus crowd of a speech he made in 2004, stating that his father was from Kenya.
The senator used the line, that came in paragraph three of his prepared speech, to explain that his father and mother had a good dream.
"Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story — of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren't well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America, their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to. "It is that promise that has always set this country apart — that through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well," he said.
In the wide ranging speech, Mr Obama for the first time heavily criticised competitor John McCain (Republican), saying he had the wrong credentials to deserve an office in the White House.
As Mr Obama was delivering his speech from about 5.10am East African time, Kenyans in their thousands woke up to watch him live on television.
Tourism minister Najib Balala and his wife and three children were up as early.
By the time the Saturday Nation team arrived at his house at 4.45am, the minister was seated in front of his TV with an "Obama for President" button pinned on his shirt. "In Obama there is a new leadership that gives inspiration and hope not only in America but all over the world," Mr Balala said. He added: "Obama's leadership gives a new meaning to democracy in total disregard of whether one is black or white." Mr Balala said he related to Mr Obama because of his youth. "But more importantly, I see him in direct relevance to my position as having the same background... I am not black but I am a Kenyan and I am a Muslim, so how shall I be judged ... will it be on my race or my determination to serve the country and the values of which I stand?" he asked. The minister described Mr Obama's speech as "classic because of the way it was presented and the decor of the stadium which I strongly believe will turn votes in his favour. "It would be difficult for him to lose this election," he added. Nyang'oma-Kogelo village in Siaya District also came alive moments after Mr Obama accepted his party nomination to run for the presidency.

Extended family members of the Democratic party nominee gathered at his grandmother, Mama Sarah Hussein's house, to celebrate a milestone in the history of the small village. The home was abuzz with activity as hordes of local and international journalists pitched tent to document the reactions of Mr Obama's Kenyan relatives after the historic moment. Mr Obama's uncle, Said Hussein, described the occasion as "fantastic".
Central Organisation of Trade Union secretary general Francis Atwoli, assistant ministers Ayiecho Olweny and Sylvester Wakoli said they remained awake on Thursday night to follow the proceedings live from the US.
After accepting the nomination, with "gratitude and humility", Mr Obama called the current period a defining one for America. He now has eight weeks to campaign before voters can go to the polling booths.
"Our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil, and the American promise has been threatened once more," he said to chants of "Yes We Can," his slogan.
"More Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and more are watching your home values plummet."

He added: "More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay and tuition that is beyond your reach."

[MattChow]

We shouldn't immediately generalize that since half-Kenyan Barack Obama is elected as the 44th President of the United States, he would immediately qualify as the best Kenyan ever. He needs to do something good and extra-ordinary to his father's country of origin before he could be labeled that. Of course, I believed that there are Kenyans right now that are doing and fighting for what is right in their country. Although, if I'm a Kenyan I would be mighty proud that someone of my own race is the president of a superpower nation.

[Buah]

well, Obama to me is the worst Kenyan because Obama does not consider himself a Kenyan. In fact, Americans wouldn't have voted him into power if he considered himself even a partial Kenyan but Barack Obama considers himself %100 American and hence the worst Kenyan ever.

[ultimoz]

i think this is right if he cannot consider himself as kenyan then he is the worst kenyan surviving on American land. i guess he feel ashamed to be called kenyan. but this is his life and politics.. let him treat like that only

[BlueSword]

if obama is even ashamed of being called at least a fourth kenyan, then he can't be called the best kenyan right. not only that he has done nothing to the country he looked down upon it because it might cost him the presidential seat. sometimes, men just needs to be selfish at times to attain their goals.