Obama Campaign Hits Kenyan Youth

In his ancestral home of Kenya, Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) campaign is sparking interest among young people, even as Kenyan youth express dismay over their country's political system.

Some say Obama's presidential campaign is triggering political activism nationwide.

One social networking group on Facebook, for example, "Kenyans Congratulate Our Son Barack Obama," serves as an online meeting place for Kenyans to comment on the Illinois senator's campaign.

Its founder, Joseph Ogidi, 28, said of enthusiastic Kenyan supporters, "I'm seeing a group of young people kind of coming up and expressing their views in political rallies and most of them are talking like they are getting inspiration from a young leader like Mr. Barack Obama."

On the group's Web page, dozens of wall postings express messages of gratitude towards the Illinois senator. "Obama has made me believe the impossible is possible," wrote group member Jamie John Seno.

For George Bwana, 30, a "Kenyans Congratulate Our Son Barack Obama" group member, Obama is more than a political hero for young Africans. Bwana said he symbolizes global unity.