Kenyans living in the United States will join guests from the homeland at a series of celebrations in Washington marking the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The three days of Kenya-related events include a Sunday prayer service, an Afro-beat performance on Monday, a gala dinner the same evening, a reception on Tuesday following the swearing in ceremony and parade, and a pan-African inaugural ball on Tuesday night.

"Kenya has the right to celebrate both because of Obama's parental heritage and because Kenyans love democracy," says Peter Ogego, Nairobi's ambassador to Washington. "Obama brings hope and inspiration to democratic struggles in Africa and across the world."