By Patrick McCreless
staff writer
When Steve James called a missionary over in the African country of Kenya to tell him Barack Obama would be the next president of the United States, he was surprised by the response he received.
James, who is director of the Cullman-based Kenya Relief organization, said he called just two minutes after Obama’s win was announced and expected to be the bearer of breaking news.
“Usually communication is delayed over there,” James said. “But when I called, there was screaming and yelling in the background. They (Kenyans) were watching it on BBC and CNN. They had stayed up to watch it ... it was early in the morning for them.”
Kenya Relief is a non-profit organization, the sole purpose of which is to improve the lives of Kenyans. Over the last several years, the group has completed several projects in Kenya such as the construction of an orphanage and a medical clinic.
To the people of Kenya, James said Obama, whose father was Kenyan, is practically their president.
“He could certainly get elected president Kenya,” James said. “They are so proud. They love America and they love Obama.”
After the election, James said the country declared a national holiday in honor of Obama.
“They had a day of celebration,” he said. “They let all the children out of school.”
James noted that Kenyans across the board are united in their love for Obama, which he said is an unusual situation for a country known for its tribal warfare.
“All the tribes are proud of him, it has united them, which is something they really needed, especially with the violence back in January,” James said.
Hundreds of Kenyans were killed early this year in riots spurred by ethnic violence, which resulted from their country’s highly contested presidential election.
‰ Patrick McCreless can be reached by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
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