Mama Sarah Wishes Obama ‘Courage’ in Remarks to Inauguration Event

Sarah Obama, the step-grandmother of Barack Obama, told Kenyans gathered for an inaugural dinner in Washington on Friday that she wishes the US president “wisdom, good health and, very importantly, courage.”

“I pray for him every single day,” Mama Sarah said from Kogelo via a phone link to the event in the US capital city.  

“He was re-elected because the American people know that he cares for America, and that it was God's wish that he continue to serve America.”

She also gave her greetings to the 150 Kenyans attending the event as well as to all the American people.

Ambassador Elkanah Odembo, who organised the $100-a-plate dinner, also addressed those celebrating the start of Mr Obama’s second term.

“Tonight,” he declared, “we also celebrate the strong and historic relationship between the United States and Kenya based upon our shared values of equality, freedom, democracy and the rule-of-law.

“In President Obama’s second term,” the ambassador said, “we look forward to forging an even deeper relationship between the U.S. and Kenya, as well as the entire African continent.”

Ambassador Odembo is scheduled to attend the official inaugural events taking place in Washington on Monday.