MPs burn millions abroad

By Isaac Ongiri, Nov 24 2008
Members of Parliament are burning tens of millions of shillings in non-essential trips abroad every month, The Standard can reveal. Some 145 MPs have so far spent more than Sh116 million on travel since March - and there are six more months to go before the next financial year. And in a move that is likely to shock and outrage tax payers, the MPs have thwarted an attempt by Head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura to rationalise their per diem (allowances), a move that could reduce the costs by half. Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Bonny Khalwale commented: "I agree that the number of trips some individuals have made are alarming." More>>>

Kakamega villagers dig gold in vain

By Allan Kisia, Nov 25 2008
Mr Steven Shitsukane’s wrinkled face appears laden in gloom as he holds a few gold particles for sale. Shitsukane has been a gold digger in Lirhembe sub-location in Ikolomani, Kakamega, for more than two decades, but there is no glitter on his face as he displays the precious metal. He knows pretty well that the few grammes of gold in his palm will barely earn him enough to feed his family for a few days. But the 38-year-old father of four still hopes he will one day strike enough gold to change his life forever . More>>>

Richest, poorest of Kenya revealed

By Samuel Siringi, Nov 19 2008
Free education, CDF and scrapping of some medical charges in public health centres have helped to reduce poverty in Kenya, says a new report. The survey released on Tuesday shows how the levels of poverty are distributed in each of the 210 constituencies. Kajiado North constituency was ranked top while Turkana Central took the ‘poorest’ slot. Nationally, the number of poor people fell from 52 per cent in 2002 to 46 per cent in 2006, according to the “Wellbeing In Kenya” survey released by Planning assistant minister Peter Kenneth.

The survey will now be used to determine how much money each constituency will get in the next financial year since it ranks the richest and poorest areas of the country. The report was shelved earlier this year after some MPs from Nyanza Province, led by Mr Jakoyo Midiwo, claimed that its findings had been doctored to show that the region was relatively well off. More>>>

Budalang'i gets water disinfectants

By Meme Joshua, Nov 19 2008
The Government has donated water disinfectants to residents of Budalangi. Public Health and Sanitation Minister Beth Mugo said the Government was concerned over the health of Budalangi residents. She said the donation would help in preventing and controlling water borne diseases. Budalangi has been hit by floods following the torrential rains that have continued to pound the country in the past three week. More>>>

Western reconnected after blackout

By Walter Menya, Nov 19 2008
Internet and wireless services to Western Kenya that were earlier disrupted by a fire at Telkom Kenya regional office have been restored. The services resumed after six hours during which the western region was left in a near isolation from the rest of the country. Only the cable services have yet to be restored but the firm’s public relations officer Mr Khalid Salim says would be up “soon”. More>>>

Prostitutes hold clue to Aids cure

By Gatonye Gatura, Nov 19 2008
Efforts to establish why the famous Majengo prostitutes continue to defy the Aids causing virus have now been intensified to include women operating in the central business district. For almost two decades, some of the best scientists in the world, using state of the art facilities, have been trying to find out why these women are not infected with HIV despite constant exposure. More>>>

MP claims he donated Sh150m to ODM

By our correspondent, Nov 19 2008
A row is brewing over ODM’s campaign funds in the last General Election, with some top donors saying they were not sufficiently rewarded for their generosity. Others said they were unhappy with the way the campaign money, estimated at between Sh1.5 billion and Sh2 billion, was used by the party secretariat. The matter first came up at a recent ODM Parliamentary Group meeting two weeks ago, where an angry MP challenged the party leadership to explain how the Sh20 million he donated was used. More>>>

Kenyan student butchered in Uganda

By Kenan Miruka, Nov 19 2008
Mystery surrounds the killing of a Kenyan student, whose body was found buried in a shallow grave in Uganda. Police in Uganda have confirmed she had earlier lost Sh40,000 in unclear circumstances. Her Kenyan boyfriend has since been arrested as the key suspect. Kampala Police suspect she was killed for demanding back her money, after she discovered it was missing. The deceased, Ms Ruth Nyarangi Oirere hails from the same village with the suspect, in Gucha District. She was strangled before being fatally knifed at a guesthouse in Kampala, police say. More>>>

Western incommunicado

By Walter Menya, Nov 18 2008
The entire western region was on Monday thrown into a communication blackout following a fire that gutted Telkom Kenya’s equipment at its regional offices in Kisumu. The universal media gateway, the nucleus for directing flow of communication was seriously destroyed in the fire that started at 6am, paralysing communication in the region. The municipal fire brigade, who responded to the distress call, took about three hours to put out the fire, by which time the vital universal media gateway system had been affected. More>>>

Boom time in Kogelo

By Patrick Mayoyo, Nov 18 2008
Want to start a business or buy a prime piece of land? May be the best place to start shopping is Nyang’oma Kogelo, the village where US president-elect Barack Obama traces his paternal roots. Less than two weeks since Mr Obama was elected to the highest political office in America and the world, all the shops at the local Nyang’oma Kogelo market have been rented out and close to 20 pieces of land have been sold. Interestingly, some of the buyers come from as far away as America. More>>>

In Kogelo, it's boom time: Mr James Ojwang’ Obalo (above), chief of South East Alego location next to his building in Kogelo trading centre, which he said, has been fully booked by tenants who intend to operate various businesses. The village is experiencing a business boom following the election of Mr Barack Obama as US president. Mr Obama’s father came from the village. Photo/JACOB OWITI

Obama considers Hillary for plum job

There is increasing speculation about Hillary Clinton's possible appointment as secretary of state. Reports are coming out that a serious vetting process is under way to determine the possible pitfalls of such an appointment. More>>

Teso pupils skip exams for forced marriage

By Robert Wanyonyi, Nov 18 2008
Two Standard Eight pupils in Teso District failed to sit their KCPE examinations after they were forcibly married off. Local education officers tried in vain to locate the two teenagers as the clock ticked away to the start of the just concluded examinations. The parents of the duo, pupils at Amagoro Primary School, reportedly received dowry a few days before the start of the exams. More>>>

Raila tackles Ruto head on

By our correspondents, Nov 18 2008
Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday told off his critics from Rift Valley over his support for the full implementation of the explosive Waki Report saying there was need for a sober debate on the report to foster national healing and reconciliation. Raila asked the leaders not to tribalise national issues such as the Waki Commission recommendations in order to end the culture of impunity which continues to haunt the country. More>>>

Red Cross wades into Budalang'i

By Allan Kisia, Nov 18 2008
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) yesterday met Government officials to lay strategies of combating a possible outbreak of water-borne diseases in Budalang’i. The KRCS Western Kenya Coordinator Pamela Indiaka said the meeting discussed ways of responding to an outbreak following last week’s flooding in the constituency. Ms Indiaka said her team met officials from ministries of Public Health and Water. "We are monitoring the situation as we prepare ourselves for any eventuality," she said. Indiaka said clean water will be distributed to residents severely affected by the flooding, particularly those from Bunyala Central and Bunyala East locations. More>>>

Marende demands politics of change

By Peter Opiyo, Nov 18 2008
National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende has urged MPs to bury their differences and champion positive change. Addressing MPs at the Reconciliation and Institutional Reforms conference, Mr Marende told MPs to embrace an all-inclusive approach in addressing the country’s challenges. "The time has come for us to close ranks to bring positive change in the way and manner we conduct business. It must cease to be business as usual," Marende said. He pointed out that Parliament must midwife institutional and constitutional reforms adding that leadership entails making hard choices. More>>>

Just which MP is 'shenzi'?

By Kepher Otieno, Nov 18 2008
Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli has been out of the public limelight for a fortnight seeking medical attention. But he was back in action at the weekend, clearly spoiling for a fight. "I have been in hospital but I am surprised some people have taken advantage of my absence and started peddling falsehoods about me," said the firebrand trade unionist. Atwoli hit out at an MP, whose name he did not mention, for allegedly tarnishing his name over the National Social Security Fund financial scandal.

Western gets new intelligence chief

By our correspondent, Nov 17 2008
Western Province has a new criminal investigations chief. Mr Patrick Mugwanja has replaced Patrick Mugo who has been transferred to CID headquarters to undertake what was described as administration duties. The changes in Western are part of a major shake up in the police and intelligence services affecting more than 50 senior police officers. The announcement was made by the Commissioner of Police, Maj-Gen Hussein Ali.

The new Coast PCIO is Reche Nyaga, previously Western Province deputy criminal investigations officer. Kenya Airports Police Unit (Kapu) CID officer Richard Mugwanja goes to Western as the new PCIO, and has been replaced by Philip Tuimur. Kapu Commandant Patrick Obimo is the new head of Interpol office. More>>>

Tourism hots up in Western thanks to Obama

By Kepher Otieno, Nov 17 2008
Investors in Nyanza have been challenged to put up more hotels as the region braces for a tourism boom triggered by the election of Barack Obama as the US President. Stakeholders expect many tourists to visit Kogelo village in Siaya District, where President Obama’s father, Barack Obama Snr, was born.

On Sunday, Chairperson of Domestic Tourism Council of Kenya, Anastanzia Wakesho led more than 50 local tourists and tour guides in identifying the tourism excursion sites. The team visited the home of President Obama’s father, and met his grandmother, Mama Sarah, and held lengthy talks on tourism opportunities. They also visited the mythical Kit Mikayi rocks, the homes of freedom fighters, Achieng’ Oneko and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. More>>>

Wanjala, Akinyi back in Indian jail

By Michael Mungwang'a, Nov 17 2008
Former Budalang’i MP Raphael Wanjala and business woman Joyce Akinyi’s tribulations in India appear to be far from over. It emerged on Sunday that the lovers are back in jail after a court in New Delhi cancelled bail granted to them last week. Indian authorities reportedly cancelled bail after discovering some anomalies on Ms Akinyi’s Kenyan passport and the two were on Wednesday evening taken back to Tihar Prison, India’s second largest. A prison spokesman, Mr Sunil Gupta confirmed to the Nation last night that the two were back in custody. “The ex-MP and the lady were in custody on Friday and I think they are still there. I will check and confirm to you tomorrow (Monday),” Mr Gupta said. More>>>

Ruto, Raila may go separate ways over Waki Report

By our correspondent, Nov 17 2008
Cabinet Minister William Ruto on Saturday threatened to mobilise the Rift Valley ODM rank and file to leave the party if their interests were not safeguarded. The Agriculture Minister said the community had an equal share in the party and should not be ignored. Speaking during the homecoming party for Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot, the minister said his Kalenjin community had unanimously voted for ODM but certain leaders now appeared to have achieved their goals and were ignoring some of the pledges that they had promised to deliver. While referring to Prime Minister Raila Odinga by his Kalenjin nickname arap Mibei, the Agriculture minister told the Kalenjin to remain firm because they were in ODM by right. More>>>

Have you seen Dr Wanyonyi Saenyi?

By Steve Mkawale, Nov 12 2008
August 27, 2007 may be just another day on the calendar to others. But to the family of Caroline Nekesa, a primary school teacher in Nakuru, the day means much more. It is the day her husband, Dr Wycliffe Wanyonyi Saenyi, the then dean faculty of Engineering and Technology at Egerton University, left the house for a Sunday morning walk never to return.Over a year since his disappearance, there are no clues leading to his whereabouts. She remembers vividly the events surrounding her husband’s disappearance on that morning. "We woke up early to prepare children for church. We had breakfast together and he kissed the children goodbye. That was the last time we saw him," recalls Nekesa. More>>>

Raila wants action on Nzoia, Nyando

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has directed three ministries to find a lasting solution to floods caused by waters from River Nyando and Nzoia. More>>>

7,000 families displaced in Budalang'i

By our correspondent, Nov 12 2008
River Nzoia has broken the Northern dyke in Budalang’i and displaced 7, 000 families. Waters from the river broke the dyke yesterday at Ihula village in Mudembi sub-location in Bunyala East location. Two primary schools Kibuka and Igingo have since been closed. About 60 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education candidates will sit for their examinations at Budalang’i Primary School. Area DO Richard Muthama appealed to residents to move to safer grounds at Mudembi’s chief’s camp and Free Pentecostal Church Bunyala East location and at the DC’s office in Budalang’i sub-location. More>>>

Obama's film in the making

By Alex Ndegwa, Nov 12 2008
After the rave media coverage on US President-elect Barack Obama’s story, film and documentary makers are sweating over their chances. They are next on line to record the historic event that promises to change global politics. And one UK-based award winning Kenyan film director Sharon Agina has rolled the cameras. Her documentary on the Obama family will hit the screens before Obama’s inauguration on January 20. More>>>

500 families flee as angry River Nzoia bursts its banks

By our correspondents, Nov 11 2008
Over 500 families have been displaced in the flood-prone Budalang’i as heavy rains pound western Kenya. Special Programmes Permanent secretary Ali Mohamed said many more could be displaced following the bursting of River Nzoia’s banks. “The ministry has taken steps to provide non-food assistance to mitigate the effects of the disaster,” he said. In Trans Nzoia, the Kenya Red Cross district coordinator Mr George Oloo said 200 families had been displaced in Namanjalala area, when raging waters destroyed their houses. In Bunyala district, acting DC Kimaru Kemboi said the most affected areas are Makunda, Magombe and Igingo in Bunyala South. More>>>

Airport expansion on after clan gets cash

By Walter Menya, Nov 11 2008
The Government will now have a free hand in expanding Kisumu airport with the start of the final phase of compensation for people who were evicted from the land. But the Kenya Airports Authority deputy managing director, Mr Matthew Wamalwa said the cash will only be given to families. More>>>

Political districts now empty shells

By Isaac Ongiri, Nov 11 2008
The pain of politically constituted districts vide roadside edicts during last year’s campaigns has become sore as the Government grapples with dwindling finances and personnel. Two years after President Kibaki created 78 new districts, the Government is yet to post DCs to 10 of them while the Police Commissioner is yet to deploy 52 divisional police commanders to the new divisions. More>>>

Serena Williams in Kenya

By Oscar Pilipili, Nov 11 2008
World number three tennis player Serena Williams will make a three-day tour of Kenya starting on Thursday. While in the country, the tennis icon will meet the high and mighty from across the social and political divide including Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. She will also visit various sites like the Nairobi National Park and Sadili Oval Sports Centre. Williams’ tour comes barely two months after Kenya received another sporting great - Cameroon and Barcelona football star striker Samuel E’too. More>>>

Miriam Makeba is dead

By our correspondent, Nov 10 2008
Miriam Makeba, one of Africa’s greatest music legends and South Africa liberation heroine died on Monday in Italy where she was suddenly taken ill after a concert. Wire reports have quoted a hospital in southern Italy saying the 76-year-old musician died early Monday. Italy's ANSA news agency reports that Makeba was stricken with an apparent heart attack just after she sang at a concert for an Italian journalist threatened by the Naples-area Mafia.Nicknamed Mama Africa by her fans, Makeba was born on March 4, 1932, in a shantytown outside Johannesburg. More>>>

Greedy Kanu loses bid to grab KICC

By Sam Kiplagat, Nov 10 2008
Former ruling party Kanu suffered a setback on Monday after an attempt to repossess Kenyatta International Conference Centre was dismissed by a Constitutional Court. A three-judge bench ruled that the independence party failed to support their claims in the ownership dispute. Consequently, the landmark building will remain the property of the State. The building was repossessed from the former ruling party in February 2003 by the Narc administration. More>>>

Kivuitu fights to keep his job

By Jillo Kadida, Nov 10 2008
Electoral Commission of Kenya chairman Samuel Kivuitu (ECK ) and 21 commissioners have moved to court seeking to stop Government’s decision to disband the electoral body.

They want the court to issue orders to restrain the government from commencing any executive or legislative action to disband the ECK and send home its commissioners. More>>>

Wetangula back in court over election petition

By Nyakundi Nyamboga, Nov 10 2008
Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula is back at the Court of Appeal to block the hearing of a petition challenging his election as MP for Sirisia. Last month, the same court threw out his appeal against a High Court ruling allowing the hearing of a petition by his main challenger, ODM’s John Koyi Waluke.

In May, Justice Wanjiru Karanja ruled against the minister’s objection to the hearing of the petition. Mr Wetangula had urged Karanja to strike out the petition on grounds that he had not been served with the appeal papers within the time provided for by the law. More>>>

Kanda Bongoman pays homage to Kogelo

By our correspondent, Nov 10 2008
Congolese musician Kanda Bongo Man paid Mama Sarah Obama a visit at her home in Kogelo village, Siaya. Speaking in Kiswahili, the king of Kwasa Kwasa said he would compose a song in praise of Barack Obama’s election as US president. "I will compose a good song, which will capture my entire trip in Kenya," he said. Kanda said he had to see the village that produced the most powerful leader. "I risked my life to declare Obama’s victory on KTN two days before the election. Mungu ndiye amefanya hii kazi (It is all God’s work)," he said. Musician Princess July and her band accompanied Kanda. More>>>

Dream come true for others - watching TV

By our correspondents, Nov 10 2008
US presidential election brought rare goodies to the residents of Kogelo. Apart from the US, the world’s attention was last week focused on this once sleepy village where the US president-elect Barack Obama traces his roots. The major centre of attraction was the big screen television set up for the residents to follow live coverage of the election. For nearly 48 hours, their eyes remained glued on the giant screen that more than 90 per cent among them had never accessed before. More>>>

Obama and the stranger - 20 yrs on

By our correspondent, Nov 10 2008
The Norwegian newspaper VG has reported a truly amazing story about a newly-wed trying to get to Norway to be with her husband, and the stranger who helped pay an unexpected luggage surcharge. The blog 'Leisha's Random Thoughts' has translated the story. It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband when the airline representative informed her that she wouldn't be able to check her luggage without paying a 100 surcharge: When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness. -You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway , the man behind the counter said. Mary had no money. Her new husband had traveled ahead of her to Norway , and she had no one else to call. -I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary. As tears streamed down her face, she heard a 'gentle and friendly voice' behind her saying, 'That's okay, I'll pay for her.' Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before. He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man? Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man. Who was the man? Barack Obama. More>>>

OBAMA NOTEBOOK

Rosa sat so Martin could walk.
 
Martin walked so Obama could run.
 
Obama ran and won so our children can fly!

THIS IS RIDYKULAS!

Obama's victory did not surprise me. Not only are his ancestors from the the cradle of mankind, but seriously when did you RUN against a Kenyan in a long distance race and won? Just ask Senator McCain!

OUR NEWEST EXPORT:

PRESIDENTS

Obama victory brings pride to Kenyan diaspora

By Alphayo Otieno, Nov 6 2008
From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee, across the plains of Texas, from Detroit, down to Houston and New York to Los Angeles, there is pride in every Kenyan residing in the USA. Barack Obama’s victory over his Republican rival John McCain to become the 44th president of the US sparked off wild celebrations among Kenyans in the US. Like other Africans living in the US, Kenyans took to the streets with blaring car horns and loud music. More>>>

No rest for Obama

By agencies, Nov 6 2008
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is expected to begin building his transition team Thursday, little more than a day after securing an historic election victory. The Democratic party leader was expected to officially name his White House chief of staff as Rahm Emanuel, who helped lead the party to majority control of Congress in 2006. More>>>

Nyangoma village explodes

By our correspondents, Nov 6 2008
The family of the US President-elect Barack Obama was elated at his victory. Mama Sarah Anyango Obama described his grandson’s victory as a "defining moment for the world". "Nyocha amor to sani karo amor moloyo," (I am excited more than ever before) she told a battery of journalists in reaction to the US historic elections outcome. Obama’s sister Auma Obama told the media that though their kin had been elected the President of US, Kenyans should not expect too much. "Remember, he is a US citizen. The only advantage that will come with his leadership is business, improved tourism, trade and bilateral relations," she said. As they addressed the Press a team of Kenya Power engineers streamed into the compound to install electricity at the home. The family has been relying on solar panel. But yesterday, the expeditious manner KPLC engineers were pulling power from the main line along the Ngiya Road to the home was an indication Nyangoma village would light up soon. More>>>

Kogelo villagers burst into song and dance at the best news ever that Obama is elected US president.

Bunyala DC hospitalised

By agencies, Nov 6 2008
A district commissioner from Western Province was admitted to Kijabe Mission Hospital after he was involved in a road accident at Kinungi on the Nairobi-Nakuru road. Bunyala DC Mabeya Mogaka suffered head injuries after his official vehicle rolled several times after colliding with a matatu at Magumu in Kinungi, Nyandarua South district on Tuesday, said police. His driver and bodyguard are also at the hospital. More>>>

Village proud to produce the Messiah

By our correspondents, Nov 6 2008
Darkness did not fall on Kogelo village, Siaya District, as the US went to the polls on Tuesday. Not even after a glowing orange sunset behind the Nyangoma plains in Nyanza Province. More than 50 floodlights set up by local and foreign media teams lit up the tiny village, which was one of the focal points of the American election. In the tiny village off a dusty path from the main Kisumu-Siaya road, activity throbbed all night alongside the elections that would install its ‘own son’ into the White House. More>>>

Obama Avenue in Mombasa

A major Mombasa street is to be named after Barack Obama. More>

Mama Sarah Onyango Obama can't hide her emotions at the news her grandson is now the world's most powerful individual.

Obama's baby boom

The US election has triggered a new generation of mini Barack Obamas with parents in Kenya and the United States naming their newborns after the new president-elect. At the Nyanza Provincial General Hospital in Kisumu, western Kenya, Barack's ancestral homeland, several mothers were naming their babies after the U.S.'s first African-American president. More>>>

Victory of the people

By Barack Obama, Nov 5 2008
Hello, Chicago. If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and always will be, the United States of America. More>>>

Obama: a truly world president

By our correspondent, Nov 5 2008
World leaders rushed to congratulate Democrat Barack Obama on Wednesday following his historic victory in the 2008 U.S. presidential election. And across the globe, people in city squares and villages, living rooms and shacks cheered his success, boosting hopes that America's first black commander-in-chief might herald a more conciliatory approach to the rest of the world.

"He had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president, " Pracha Kanjananont, a 29-year-old Thai sitting at a Starbucks in Bangkok, told AP. More>>>

Obama's victory caps struggles of previous generations

By John Blake, Nov 5 2008
At a modest stucco home in Montgomery, Alabama, an unlikely presidential victory celebration is taking place this morning. Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the daughter of the late George Wallace, the Alabama governor who once vowed to maintain segregation forever, is rejoicing. President-elect Obama's victory Tuesday may be a racially transformative event. But for people like Kennedy, who came through the fires of the civil rights movement, it also represents something else - personal triumph. Obama's win validates the risks they took years ago. More>>>

Kogelo villagers look to a future of hope

By Cosmas Butunyi, Nov 5 2008
Donkeys laden with containers of water strut along the dusty earthen road that cuts across Nyang’oma Market, heading towards K’Ogelo Village. Nothing about the market in Siaya District indicates the importance of the area, save for the signboard that screams, “Senator Obama Kogelo Secondary School.” Previously little known, K’Ogelo has captured global attention, thanks to one of its sons who is gunning for the top seat in the US. Though it still bears the characteristics of a typical rural village, its fortunes have changed considerably in the past few years. More>>>

Obama Day in Kenya

By Dan Okoth, Nov 5 2008
President Kibaki has declared tomorrow, Thursday November 6, 2008, a public holiday to celebrate Barack Obama’s victory as the 44th President of the United States. The President joined other Heads of State, diplomats and ordinary citizens to congratulate Obama as the world raptured in song and dance to the news that he had captured the White House. More>>>

Personal loss for Obama

Sen. Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died following a bout with cancer, Obama and his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, said Monday. She was 86. More>>>