In Kogelo, the ancestral village of Barack Obama's father, residents

celebrate the victory of favorite son Barack Obama, Nov. 6.

Victory is 'God's Plan' says Momma Sarah Obama (The Daily Nation, Kenya)

"The reason he won is that God gave it to him ... Second, he has the knowledge of loving all people, and doesn't have knowledge of division, which is also why he has won ... As much as I have to thank the American people for this, the victory is also Africa's, as it solidifies our position within the globe's leadership. ... It's God's plan, and most of all, he is an outstanding gentleman."

-- Momma Sarah Obama

November 7, 2012

Kenya - The Daily Nation - Original Article (English)

President Obama's paternal grandmother, Moma Sarah, celebrates the president's reelection, which Sarah says is ordained by the Lord. NTV KENYA, KENYA: Residents of Kogelo village, Kenya, erupt in celebration over President Obama's relection, Nov. 7, 00:02:31

With singing and dancing on Wednesday, Barack Obama's ancestral village celebrated the re-election of the son of their soil, who won because he knows how to "love all people," his grandmother said.

Until the election results showed Obama had won, crowds stayed up all night in Kogelo, a small village in western Kenya nestled in the hills about 40 miles from the blue waters of Lake Victoria.

"The reason he won is that God gave it to him," said Momma Sarah Obama, who will be 90 this year and is the third wife of the president's paternal grandfather. Barack Obama has said that he regards her as his grandmother.

"Second, he has the knowledge of loving all people, and doesn't have knowledge of division, which is also why he has won," she added, speaking to reporters on the lawn outside the family home in the Luo language.

As much as I have to thank the American people for this, the victory is also Africa's, as it solidifies our position within the globe's leadership. she said.

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

It's 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 Mama Sarah and support the victory.

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

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

In a statement to Obama, President Mwai Kibaki offered his own congratulations. "Kenya, as always, is proud of our association with you," he said. Kibaki said that the re-election was a re-affirmation of the confidence the American people have in President Obama's leadership skills, and praying for God's blessings, he offered President Obama best wishes for his second term.

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 confidence in your leadership. Kenya, as always, is proud of our association with you. We look forward to deepening relations between our countries during your second term in office, Kibaki said.

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

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

Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka called Obama's re-election a huge win for the free world.

"It is our hope that he will use his second term to work for peace and exert a positive influence across the globe," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi said Obama is one of the few American presidents to be re-elected against a backdrop of a poorly-performing economy, and that Obama's resilience is a lesson in how to turn adversity into opportunity. He also congratulated Republican candidate Mitt Romney for conceding defeat.

"I also congratulate Mitt Romney for competing maturely and conceding loss in the most polite manner," he said.

For Obama's grandmother, the re-election was more important than his win four years ago. "He came back a second time and won," she said.

But Momma Sarah also sought to quell the disappointment of Kenyans who hoped the president would visit Kenya during his first term. "We cannot be bitter," said Mama Sarah.

Posted by Worldmeets.US

Many in Kogelo stayed up all night as the results trickled in, some splurging to attend coverage at a hotel on a wide-screen TV, despite the $12 ticket price - a small fortune for most Kenyans.

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