Is Barack Obama Jesus?

Sad reality is that in the US of A, many foolishly feel the same way too… Times Online UK

“This man is Jesus,” shouted one man, spilling his Guinness as Barack Obama began his inaugural address. “When will he come to Kenya to save us?” If Barack Obama’s spin doctors have been trying to lower expectations since his election victory, the message clearly has not reached the land of his father.

Millions of people around the country thronged giant TV screens or crammed into bars to watch the inauguration of a man viewed as Kenya’s best hope of a prosperous and happy future.

“Now he is president we will get food and jobs,” said Ben Ochieng, as he danced to the traditional music that replaced the planned show.

All week Kenya had been gearing up for Mr Obama’s moment of glory. Newspapers have published souvenir editions, countless goats have been slaughtered for the party and a popular local brew, Senator beer, has been renamed President for the occasion.

The Kenya National Theatre even revived its hit show Obama The Musical, which wowed sell-out audiences during the US election last year. It uses parallels with the Bible Story and Mr Obama’s own struggles with racism and drugs — documented in his memoir Dreams From My Father - to portray the incoming President as a saviour for downtrodden peoples of the world.

“This is an incredible opportunity for us, because a lot of investment will come,” said 20-year-old Faith Achieng. “It’s already thanks to him we have electricity and water.” Not bad for a man trying to play down his tag as the “chosen on