Former president of the United States Of America Barack Obama made his 4th trip to Kenya and this time keen to spend time at his ancestral home in Kogelo, Siaya County.
During his last visit in 2015, it was all pomp, glamour, and power when the Airforce One landed, roads were cleared and we had a weekend holiday, but this time round he came in as a private citizen lowkey.
After his official meetings with the president of Kenya and other officials, Obama flew to Kisumu accompanied by his sister Auma Obama to inaugurate the Sauti Kuu Foundation and visit his ancestral home in Alego Nyang’oma. The Sauti Kuu is a vocational training facility, a community space with a library, sports field and basketball court.
As Kenyans in Kisumu were overly excited to see their powerful brother and cousin, social media was lit with questions of what Barack has done for Kenya or his rural home for that matter. Kenyans were divided in a tag of war whether he is responsible for our development or our leaders are. Others argued that Obama held a position of influence to make the elected leaders work for the people.
Dear @BarackObama, I believe u have landed safely in South Africa, and hope that this finds u well. With tremendous respect Sir, can u tell us why while u were in the most powerful office (of the world’s biggest economy) u refused to bring development to ua home, Kenya? pic.twitter.com/dUXsZIl24Z
— Dr Boni Khalwale, CBS (@KBonimtetezi) July 16, 2018
So shameful Bonnie. Im so disappointed in you! Obama is an American with Kenyan roots; like you a Kenyan with Congo Forest roots. Obama owes kenya nothing! Likewise you owe Congolese nothing!
— Ian Kochomo (@iankochomo) July 16, 2018
All in all, Kenyans were happy to see him keep his promise of returning home. But he still didn’t bring his family (who happen to be in Paris France as seen in a Beyonce & Jay Z Concert) but hope they will come one day.
