Local News
Kenyans excited about Obama presidency
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.
- Local News
-
-
Scheduled power outage Sunday
Six city intersections will be without power due to electrical maintenance Sunday, so city police are urging local drivers to be cautious.
-
Fugitive alleged child molester found
A Cullman County man who has been on the run since he was accused of molesting a child in 2006, was found in Mississippi Tuesday.
-
Man arrested for impersonating deputy
A local man who allegedly impersonated a Cullman County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested by a real one Thursday.
-
Possible homicide in Fairview
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a possible homicide, which occurred in Fairview Friday.
-
Residents tour local farm, industries
The Cullman County Farm-City committee held their annual tour Thursday and toured Birmingham Fastener, Tinney Farms and the Cullman Stockyard.
-
Veterans Day celebration starts Saturday morning
A city and county-wide Veteran’s Day celebration will be Saturday morning at 8 a.m. with Civil War re-enactors a Depot Park. Events will continue throughout the day at the Festhalle Market Platz.
-
Hanceville police recover active meth lab, stolen property in home
Two Hanceville men are behind bars after police allegedly recovered a working meth lab and about $20,000 worth of stolen property Wednesday from a local residence.
-
City: Water meets all standards
As far as Cullman city officials are concerned, they provide some of the highest-quality water in the area.
-
Sumiton fugitive returned to Cullman to face charges
A Sumiton man who eluded about 50 area law enforcement officers during an April manhunt, only to be arrested in Walker County in July, was recently returned to Cullman County to face charges.
-
Cleaning up
Nearly half a dozen workers have spent time at Cullman Memory Gardens this week, mowing and trimming a cemetery that has largely been neglected the past year.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Scheduled power outage Sunday
