Reflections on an election

This election has been interesting to see from this side of the ocean. For those of you wondering about "Obamamania" in Kenya, here are some of the things that we have seen and heard:

- On Tuesday several youths held a "mock election" in Obama's "home town." One man tried to cast a vote for McCain. He was promptly beat up. A few minutes later, he came back and tried to cast the vote again...but was beaten more severely this time that the police had to intervene.
(the bbc link on this page shows a picture of the ballot boxes)

- Kenyans found out on Wednesday morning that Obama had officially been declared the winner of the election. President Kibaki advertised all over the radio that he was declaring the following day a National Holiday.

- A parent of one of my students who happens to be from Gambia, asked me on Wednesday morning (clad in a bright red t-shirt with Obama's face on it), "Is Rosslyn going to honor this holiday? Will we have school tomorrow?" At this point, I told her that I hadn't heard what our administration decided about the impromtu holiday, but I would let her know. She replied, "Do you all have this holiday in the states?"

- McCain's concession speech was a great example to this country about how elections can happen without violence, and how one can concede with dignity and preserve unity in a nation. One Kenyan woman who works with an MCCer asked, "So, you don't have any violence with your elections?" MCCer replied, "No, not really." The Kenyan responded, "Well, I'm sure there's violence, they just don't show it in the media."

- There were twins born on Wednesday. They were named Barack and Michelle.
Kenya maternities greet Obama and Michelle. And the Name Craze.
I also found one website which claims that Kenya has renamed its highest currency denomination the "Barack." I haven't heard this yet. You can't believe everything you read on the internet you know...http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/4310/48/

- Some Kenyans think that they will all be able to obtain a visa to the states. A boy was quoted as saying that he is glad Obama is president because he will help them build better roads in Kisumu (which is not entirely untrue: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7708119.stm).

- You can buy Obama's acceptance speech on CD on the street for about 100 Kenyan shillings (About $1.20).

- The newspaper today was plastered with pictures of Obama and his family. Also, Obama's grandmother (or step-grandmother however you choose to see it) says she hopes to go to the white house and see his inauguration.

Oddly, a Kenyan singer has composed a raggae song about Obama, which our guard played endlessly each morning. We are hoping to upload the uncopyrighted song to this site so that you, too, can have the repetitive tune dancing through your head throughout the day. We'll also post a few photos of the National Holiday. Stay tuned.
(posted by Jill)