Obama Fever

Today, as I sit during my lunch hour contemplating about last night’s election results here in the US and reactions from around the world, I can’t help but want to share some thoughts with anyone that might be inclined to read this.

As I watched the results unfold last night, and saw the status updates of friends on Facebook who live all over the world, I was struck immediately by the responses of my fellow Kenyans. People that I grew up and went to high school with. This morning, I read online some pieces about the Kenyan response to Obama’s win. And it made me sad.

Don’t get me wrong – I have been in support of Obama since the primary election – I do believe that his policies and vision for America might…just might…put America back on the map. I won’t go into all the reasons why I would have voted for Obama, had I an American passport. Suffice it to say that while I’m cynical about promise of change (the word ‘change’ is such a subjective word), I’m excited about current energy in this country and the democratic process here in the US. He will have a heck of time cleaning up the mess that this country has gotten into, but I do think he’s the better candidate to do that job.

Back to Kenya and what I read. Here are some quotes from a NY Times article:

"..Thousands of people sang, danced, blew whistles, honked horns, hugged, kissed and thumped on drums — all down the same streets where not so long ago huge flames of protest had raged. “Who needs a passport?” people yelled. “We’re going to America!” "

"..By mid-morning, the Kenyan government declared Thursday a national holiday. It meant a day off. And surely more partying..."

I realize that this displays only one extreme and there are countless who do not share this enthusiasm. However, when I read status updates on facebook from my dear friends and former classmates – all the next generation of Kenyans – who share in this blind enthusiasm, I wonder. I wonder at the misplaced pride. Wonder what we as Kenyans think is our benefit that a half-Kenyan got into the Oval Office.

I wonder – why is it that we are celebrating victory over another country’s elections, when we displayed violence over our own elections? Why are we so enthused about the democratic process in other places, and yet refuse to engage in the civic affairs of our own land? Is it any wonder that democracy, in its truest form, continues to elude us?

I was amazed at the energy of the young people, and how young people around me in Boston were so informed about the political visions of each candidate. I wonder – is this is the case in Kenya? Are we young people holding our current leaders to their campaign promises? If they are not delivering their campaign platform, are we protesting? (Not in violence, mind you) What are the ways in which we can do this and voice our concerns and build a more engaged civic society and ultimately a better Kenya? Do we speak to our district representatives when injustices occur? Or do we turn a blind eye and continue on with our day?

I don’t have answers. Just questions and thoughts. Enough of the rant. Comments are welcome. More than anything else, I wish to stimulate discussion rather than point fingers.