This article reaches into the 'back to Africa' movements of the 1960s to explain the resonance Barack Obama's election has had among African nations today. The authors draw a parallel between Obama and the activist Tom Mboya, who rejected radical pan-Africanism and said black Americans should reconcile their race with their citizenship. Their case is very well made, and this is certainly one of the most thorough and insightful pieces I've seen on the significance of Obama's race. I ... More »

A well done presentation of modern Kenya's political history, laudable struggles and the end result of an initiative to improve the minds of leaders running the country. The chronology is very good and precise, excellent. Beyond this historical review the actual Obama connection to Kenya is little more than reproductive intercourse. Any attempt at a serious deeper connection falls seriously and desperately short of reality.

Thoughtful analysis from two experts on Democracy and Kenyan history and politics. The correlations drawn to Obama Sr. and President Obama are original and insightful. The article is very strong in history, context and hints at future policies and trends in African politics, inspired by President Obama's election.