Obama and Kenya
Ohio University Research in International Studies
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Executive Editor: Gillian Berchowitz
Obama and Kenya
CONTESTED HISTORIES AND THE POLITICS OF BELONGING
Matthew Carotenuto and Katherine Luongo
Ohio University Research in International Studies
Global and Comparative Studies Series No. 15
Ohio University Press
Athens
© 2016 by the Center for International Studies
Ohio University
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Carotenuto, Matthew, author. | Luongo, Katherine, 1975– author.
Title: Obama and Kenya : contested histories and the politics of belonging / Matthew Carotenuto and Katherine Luongo.
Description: Athens : Ohio University Press, 2016. | Series: Ohio University research in international studies, global and comparative studies series ; no. 15 | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016006262| ISBN 9780896802995 (hc : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780896803008 (pb : alk. paper) | ISBN 9780896804920 (pdf)
Subjects: LCSH: United States—Relations—Kenya. | Kenya—Relations—United States. | Obama, Barack—Family. | United States—Politics and government—2009– | Kenya—Politics and government—2002– | Group identity—Kenya.
Classification: LCC E183.8.K4 C37 2016 | DDC 327.7306762—dc23
LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2016006262
To Mama Ethan and Marie and Mary Ann
Contents
Time Line: Charting the Obama and Kenya Story
Introduction: Obama and Kenya in the Classroom
CHAPTER 1. Discovering Obama in Kenya
CHAPTER 2. Representations of Kenya: Myth and Reality
CHAPTER 3. The Obama Family: Ethnicity and the Politics of Belonging in Kenya
PART II: CONTESTED HISTORIES AND THE POLITICS OF BELONGING
CHAPTER 4. The Politics of Condemnation: The American Right’s Reactions to Obama’s Roots in Kenya
CHAPTER 5. The Politics of Celebration: Ethnic Grandeur and Obama’s Heroic Embrace
CHAPTER 6. Political Violence and History at the Ballot Box
CHAPTER 7. Obama for Africa or Africa for Obama?
Epilogue: Tuko Pamoja: We Are Together
Illustrations
Maps
Figures
1.1. Kenyan critique of Obamamania from East African cartoonist GADO, 2008
2.1. US president Teddy Roosevelt with his “trophy” elephant in Meru, Kenya, 1909
3.1. First delegates conference of the new Luo Union (East Africa), 1953
3.2. Ofafa Memorial Hall, Kisumu
4.1–2. Public condemnations of the Obama-Kenya connection in the United States
5.1. “Congratulations Barack Obama” leso (wrap)
5.2. Senator Obama Kogelo Secondary School
5.3. Members of Luo Council of Elders, 2009
5.4. Luo Council of Elders chairman Riaga Ogallo with LCE members, June 18, 2009
7.1–2. African merchants selling Obama wares in Djenné, Mali, and Accra, Ghana