Coming to America, by Sarah Obama

Mama Sarah Obama, the grandmother of US president Barack Obama still wishes she were in America. In an interview at her Kogelo home on Wednesday, the 87-year-old woman talked of her experience in the US where she had gone to attend her grandson’s inauguration.

Nostalgically, she reveals, the US Government booked her in a five-star hotel, the eighth floor to be precise. She had State security agents guarding her round the clock, and visitors to her room were thoroughly vetted.

Government vehicle

Besides, she rode in a government vehicle, enjoying privileges accorded to the president’s close family members. And on inauguration day, she sat a couple of rows behind the president.

“I was given the warmest reception, much like a government representative,” she said. And she is full of praise for Kenyans in US who treated her like a queen.

And she ate all manner of food, although she missed her favourite plate of ugali. “There was no ugali, but I even ate some vegetables that were served raw.”

The 86-year old grandmother left the country for the US on January 18 for the ceremony that took place two days later. She was back in Kisumu on the evening of February 2 before proceeding to Kogelo.

At the airport, she was ushered into the VIP lounge by airport manager Joseph Okumu. On hand to receive her were Finance assistant minister Oburu Oginga and MPs Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu Town East) and Pollyns Ochieng (Nyakach).

Apart from Mama Sarah, other family members of President Obama who travelled to the US for the ceremony included Mama Keziah Obama, Mr Malik Abong’o, Dr Auma Obama, Mr Abo Obama and Mark and Bernard Obama. More than 15 clan members also travelled.

“America is very good but extremely cold. I had to wear very heavy clothing,” she said and in amusement added that for the first time in her life she wore trousers to keep herself warm.

During her stay, she met the president twice, first at the church where he attended a prayer service before inauguration. She chatted happily with her grandson, through an interpreter. “I did not have much to tell him though because he is aware of the task I placed on him to ensure Kogelo, Kenya and the whole world live in peace and development,” she said.

Mama Sarah concedes she never discussed visiting his ancestral home soon. “My son, there was no time for that kind of talk, but I believe he will come some day to be with us.”

Before their return, President Obama inscribed two separate notes for the people of Kogelo and K’Obama village in Rachuonyo District. The notes, on a White House letterhead read: “To the people of Kogelo (K’Obama), thank you for the prayers and support” and signed Barack Obama.

Mama Sarah did not visit Mr Obama in the White House, but other family members were all there. She is amazed at the level of organisation exhibited by Americans. There were badges for family and other guests. The family got another card to attend the other functions and parties the new president had after the inauguration.

“There was no pushing around or fights with the police. It was so good and unbelievably exciting,” she remarked. Said Malik Abong’o, the elder son of Barack Obama Senior: “He wanted us to see where he would be staying for the next four years.”