Obama's Kenyan family celebrate victory

 
 Kogelo residents in Siaya County celebrate media announcements of US President Barack Obama's re-election on November 7, 2012. Photo/AFP  AFP

  By  NATION REPORTER and AFP
Singing and dancing, the ancestral village of Barack Obama celebrated Wednesday the re-election of the son of their soil, who won because he knows how to "love all people", his grandmother said. Read (Kenya hails Obama victory)

Crowds stayed up throughout the night in Kogelo, a small village in western Kenya nestled in the hills about 60 kilometres (40 miles) from the blue waters of Lake Victoria, until the results showed Obama had won.

"The reason why he has won is because God has given it to him," said Sarah Obama, 90 this year and the third wife of the paternal grandfather of the president, who has said he regards her as a grandmother.

"Secondly he has got the knowledge to love all people, he doesn't have the knowledge of division, that is why he has won," she added, speaking in the Luo language to reporters on the lawn outside the family home.

“Much as I must thank the American people for this gesture, victory is Africa’s as it solidifies our position in world leadership.” she said.

According to Mama Sarah Obama, a combination of many factors handed her grandson victory.

“It is God’s plan and most of all, he is an outstanding gentleman.” she said.

Weary from an all-night vigil but happy at the win, people cheered to welcome her -- known popularly as "Mama Sarah" -- and in support of the victory.

"It was tough this time, nothing like last time," said 35-year old Calvin Odinga, a chemist. "But we were so happy Obama made it."

In Nairobi, Prime Minister Railda Odinga praised a win he said would "reignite faith worldwide, but especially in Africa, in the restorative capacity of democracy to deliver change and discard entrenched divisions."

President Mwai Kibaki offered his own congratulations in a statement to Obama. "Kenya, as always is proud of our association with you," he said.

In his message President Kibaki said the re-election was a re-affirmation of the confidence the American people have in President Obama’s leadership skills.

Kibaki wished US President Obama best wishes during his second term in office and prayed for God’s blessings.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya and on my own behalf I convey our congratulations to you, for your well deserved victory. I commend the American people for showing their confidence in your leadership. Kenya, as always is proud of our association with you. We look forward to the deepening of relations between our two countries during your second term in office,” Kibaki said.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the re-election of US President Barack Obama had electrified the world.

"It is a tribute to the people of the United States that they have re-elected an African American President amidst an intensely trying economic environment that would have tested any incumbent. It is therefore also an outstanding personal triumph for President Obama," said PM Odinga.

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka also said Obama's re-election was a big win for a free world.

"It is our hope that he uses his second term to work for peace and to bear positive influence across the globe," he said.