Barack Obama's friends and relatives erupted into song and dance in the Kenyan family homestead of Kogelo on Wednesday, urging the nation's new hero to change the world and remember Kenya in the process.

Swinging twigs and chairs in the air, men cheered and clapped while women ululated and shouted "Obama! Obama!" in the village where his grandmother lives and where his late Kenyan father was born.

"This will change lives, not only here, but in the whole world...," said Obama's 86-year-old step grandmother, dressed in her best traditional outfit and visibly emotional as she took reporters' questions.

"If I go (to America), I will probably die of happiness," she said, stressing however that she wouldn't miss her grandson's January swearing-in ceremony for the world.

"Senator Obama is our new president. God has answered our prayer," said pastor Washington Obonyo, who had prayed for an Obama victory on Tuesday and through much of the night.

"I am very happy, I have not slept the whole night, even my wife slept alone as I waited for the results," said Joseph Otieno, a jubilant Kogelo resident.

"Because Obama has won, we will have a change in the whole world. And for that I will slaughter a cockerel to celebrate with my family."

Wild celebrations woke the sleepy village, people hugged each other as others ran aimlessly in the muddy streets after spending a chilly night glued to a giant screen watching results unfold on the US networks.

The residents had braved a heavy downpour and deafening thunderbolts overnight, dancing and singing to choruses belted out by a live band.

Children and youths gyrated to the songs, the lights of an army of international TV crews casting shadows on the tarpaulin tents.

School children danced around the tents before heading to school as police officers kept watch.

In the city of Kisumu, the regional provincial capital, huge screens were also mounted at a city park where hundreds turned out Wednesday morning after catching a few hours' sleep.

Others crowded restaurants and shops to witness the first accession of a black man to the White House or formed little groups that went marching down the streets, waving placards and singing Obama's praise.

"It's sweet victory for us. He should look into helping us, the people of Kenya," said Walter Oyoo, holding his bicycle above his head.

"At least our dream of free and fair elections has finally come true. We were painfully robbed here in Kenya, but Obama and America have shown the world what true democracy is all about," said Tom Nyanjong, a primary school teacher.

Kisumu had on Tuesday declared Obama the winner of the presidential contest in mock polls held by two local comedians.

President Mwai Kibaki was among the first foreign heads of state to congratulate Obama and gave Kenyans one more reason to rejoice when he declared on Thursday a public holiday in a statement issued minutes after Republican John McCain conceded.

"This is a momentous day not only in the history of the United States of America, but also for us in Kenya. The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success," he said.

Small groups gathered in a handful of Nairobi bars exceptionally open all night, as well as at the US embassy and the capital's main conference centre, erupted into cheers.

"I'm very excited," said 28-year-old Luke Seurey, as the American flag was hoisted alongside Kenya's at the conference centre, while a reggae song on Obama was blasted through speakers.

"I'm very excited, I travelled all night from Mombasa to be here this morning. It's historical and it's giving us a lot of pride.... It's really inspiring: whatever you want in life, you can achieve," he said.

AFP