Kenya proclaims Thursday a holiday for Obama. While President-elect Barack Obama’s victory rocked the United States, his historic win also sparked celebrations throughout the world. In the native country of Obama’s father, Kenya, the president declared Thursday a national public holiday after getting word about his win, reports the BBC. “We the Kenyan people are immensely proud of your Kenyan roots,” said President Mwai Kibaki. According to reports, Obama’s grandmother was dancing and cheering outside of her home when the results were announced after staying up all night watching election returns. They are getting ready to throw a big party. Throughout the nation, from Kisumu (a city that claims Obama as a chosen son) and the capital Nairobi, Kenyans hit the streets dancing and singing in celebrations. In a nation that was devastated earlier this year by post-election violence that split the nation, Obama’s win is said to be uniting Kenyans; especially those who believe Obama’s victory is a win for all Kenyans. “Your victory is not only an inspiration to million of people all over the world, but it has special resonance with us here is Kenya,” said Kibaki.

Mexican official dies in a plane crash. Mexican Interior Minister Juan Camilo Mourino died when his plane crashed in Mexico City Tuesday. In addition, seven others died and 40 people were injured when the small plane crashed into a city street full of cars during rush hour. The crash also set many cars on fire. Officials are still looking into what might have caused the crash. “It could have been anything, from mechanical failure to sabotage,” Jorge Lara, vice president of a national civil aviation rescue committee, told Reuters. “Mexico has lost a compatriot who worked for the service of his country,” President Felipe Calderon, his longtime friend, said during a speech that was televised. “The federal government, under my charge, in coordination with the relevant institutions, will carry out all necessary investigations in order to check in depth what caused this tragedy,” Calderon said. Former Deputy Attorney General Jose Luis Santiago Vasconcelos was another prominent official who died in the crash.

TAGS: celebration, dies, Juan Camilo Mourino, Kenyan, Mexican Interior Minister, obama, plane crash

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