Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 20, 2009

Kenyans Celebrate Obama Inauguration
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=21BBD09:A6F02AD83191E1601BCD2FA088544D1670AD7039DCD7B7E4&
 
Celebrations are in full swing in western Kenyan village of Kogelo,
birthplace of Mr. Obama's father 
      Kenyans in Nairobi react when pictures of Barack Obama being
sworn-in as US President are shown on TVU.S. President Barack Obama
referred to people watching his inaugural ceremony on television screens
in grand international capitals, as well as his father's village in
Kenya, during his inaugural address Tuesday.

 Celebrations are in full swing in the western Kenyan village of Kogelo,
the birthplace of Mr. Obama's deceased father. 

 Two bulls and a number of other animals were slaughtered Tuesday
morning in anticipation of week-long festivities. 

 Villagers started celebrating on the eve of the inauguration Monday
with local musicians performing at the Barack Obama Primary School.
Local businesses donated food and cash to fund various parties. 

 About 3,000 people gathered to watch the inauguration on a giant
television screen today in Kogelo, installed for the occasion by a
Kenyan TV network and a newspaper. 

 In west Africa, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade says Africans
should not expect too much from the new U.S. president. Mr. Wade told
French television that Mr. Obama's first priority will be addressing the
U.S. financial crisis, not dramatically changing relations with Africa. 

 Some in Kenya are also frustrated because eight Cabinet ministers
traveled to Washington at government expense, even as the nation faces a
looming famine. 

 The ministers were not invited to attend the presidential inauguration,
but officials say the delegation's aim was simply to "promote Kenya."
Some argue that is a waste of taxpayers' money.


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