For us in Sagam village, it is easy to understand the overwhelming warm welcome Senator Obama received in Kenya, Kisumu in particular. First is because he is someone we can all identify with ona very personal basis, his living in the US notwithstanding. We know his father and family and therefore by extension feel that we know him too. Most important, he recognizes and cerishes his Kenyan family and is not ashamed of it. Second is genetics. He is not as far removed from Africa as the other Afican Americans. He does not need 'Roots'research to guess his lineage. Third is that he represents hope, that we can all make it even in the competitive world of America. And finally, he represents youth and innocense which is no longer available in the local political scene. All our politicians (and possibly American ones too?) have a tainted past and got there through curruption or family ties. Senator Obama is the antithesis of the local politician and the villagers love him for it.
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Benson Sewe writes....
For us in Sagam village, it is easy to understand the overwhelming warm welcome Senator Obama received in Kenya, Kisumu in particular.
First is because he is someone we can all identify with ona very personal basis, his living in the US notwithstanding. We know his father and family and therefore by extension feel that we know him too. Most important, he recognizes and cerishes his Kenyan family and is not ashamed of it.
Second is genetics. He is not as far removed from Africa as the other Afican Americans. He does not need 'Roots'research to guess his lineage.
Third is that he represents hope, that we can all make it even in the competitive world of America. And finally, he represents youth and innocense which is no longer available in the local political scene.
All our politicians (and possibly American ones too?) have a tainted past and got there through curruption or family ties.
Senator Obama is the antithesis of the local politician and the villagers love him for it.
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