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Tomorrow's Obama Day in Kenya

Step-grandmother, others hit streets to celebrate

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 5, 2008 7:53 AM CST

(Newser) – Kenya has declared tomorrow a national holiday to honor Barack Obama’s presidential victory, the BBC reports. “We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots,” President Mwai Kibaki said. Obama’s father was Kenyan; his step-grandmother danced and cheered outside her home after the family pulled an Election-Day all-nighter. Meanwhile, people across the country took to the streets to celebrate.

“Your victory is not only an inspiration to millions of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here in Kenya,” said Kibaki.

A selection of the front pages of Kenya's national papers covering Barack Obama's election victory is seen in Nairobi, Kenya, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Sayyid Azim)

Malik, center, the half-brother of Barack Obama, celebrates with friends and family after Barack's victory was announced, at the family's homestead in Kogelo village, Kenya, Nov. 5. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

An unidentified Kenyan in Kisumu, Western Kenya, Wednesday Nov. 5, 2008, celebrates the victory of president-elect Barack Obama in the American presidential election. (AP Photo/Riccardo Gangale)

Kenyans in Kisumu, Western Kenya, celebrates the victory of president-elect Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Riccardo Gangale)

Sarah, the step-grandmother of President-Elect Barack Obama, reacts as she gives a news conference after his victory at the family's homestead in Kogelo village, Kenya, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

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Step-grandmother, others hit streets to celebrate

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Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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Step-grandmother, others hit streets to celebrate

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Kenya • holiday • Election 2008 • President Obama

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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What is Newser?