By Philip Mwakio
By 5pm yesterday, most Mombasa streets were deserted as people rushed to watch US President Barack Obama’s inauguration.
Entertainment spots were packed with patrons while others rushed home early to watch the historic event.
At Sunrise Beach Resort, a Kogelo White House theme captivated patrons led by Mombasa Town Clerk Tubman Otieno.
The story was the same at Nyali Beach and Sarova Whitesands hotels, where patrons followed the inauguration on big screens.
Along the scenic Mama Ngina Drive, it was pomp and colour as hundreds of revellers thronged the Kalabaza Restaurant for a traditional Luo dinner.
Meals included omena mowang’ (fried dagaa), gweno abula (charcoal grilled chicken) athola (dried meat), obambla (sun-dried tilapia), kamongo (mud fish) and ngege (tilapia).
Mr Jacob Muli, one of the patrons, said world peace would now be achieved.
"President Obama has demonstrated his ability to unite people of different races, religious beliefs and economic status. I believe he will unite the world," he said.
Food cafes along major streets were also packed with patrons watching the inauguration live.
In Nairobi, the city’s entertaiment spots were also packed as patrons watched Obama’s big day on big screens.
After the inauguration, fireworks lit up the city as residents welcomed ‘their son’s triumph in the US.
