Jubilation as Kisumu and Siaya residents celebrate President Obama’s arrival
Kisumu comedian Lawrence Oyange, aka Jakakamega, leads residents on Oginga Odinga Street in Kisumu in celebrating the arrival of US President Barack Obama in Kenya. PHOTO | TOM OTIENO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- They burst out in wild celebration when President Obama alighted from Air Force One at exactly 8.02pm.
- On Saturday morning, jubilant residents took to the streets carrying American flags.
- The residents rode in motorbikes in what they said were "laps of honour" for President Obama.
- The revellers, like many others in other joints, were particularly excited when President Obama hugged his sister, Dr Auma Obama.
Residents of Kisumu and Siaya counties welcomed the arrival of US president Barack Obama with celebrations.
Mr Obama traces his roots to the region, as his father hailed from Kogelo in Siaya County.
Hundreds of Kisumu residents flocked entertainment spots to watch the grand arrival on giant TV screens.
They burst out in wild celebration when President Obama alighted from Air Force One at exactly 8.02pm.
“Karibu dala (welcome home), son of Kogelo. You have made history,” said an excited reveller at Kisumu’s Buddy’s Pub.
The revellers, like many others in other joints, were particularly excited when President Obama hugged his sister, Dr Auma Obama, and later drove away with her in the "Beast", his official car.
The US leader flew into the country on Friday night for the sixth Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi.
CAPTURED KENYANS' FEELINGS
He was received by, among others, President Uhuru Kenyatta, government officials and Dr Auma, with whom he shared an ecstatic hug that captured the feelings that many Kenyans have about their most powerful son.
On Saturday morning, jubilant residents took to the streets carrying American flags and shouting in celebration of what they termed as the homecoming of their son who has gone on to be the most powerful man on earth.
“The moment I saw his all-powerful Air Force One land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday night, I was overcome with joy.
“Nothing ever really beats that feeling you get when one of your own lands like that,” said Maurice Odhiambo, a 26-year-old accountant who had joined in the procession around Kisumu streets.
Led by local comedian and events planner Lawrence Oyange, popularly known as Jakakamega, the residents rode in motorbikes in what they said were "laps of honour" for President Obama.
“I will not lie to you, we are a bit disappointed he did not come to this side of the country, where we were all waiting for him.
“But we are nonetheless happy that he got time to come to our country,” said Jakakamega.
