A reunion to remember for President Obama's kinsmen

US President Barack Obama’s relatives in Kogelo, Siaya and Kanyadhiang in Homa Bay are an elated lot following their reunion with him.

They said that meeting President Obama for the first time since he got into the most powerful office in the world was a humbling experience.

The 12 kinsmen, who had just returned home after an emotional reunion dinner with the president at the Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi on Friday, said they were happy that they had finally been recognised as members of the Obama family tree.

Relatives in Kogelo Kanyadhiang had previously claimed that all the attention and development including schools, roads and power had been concentrated in Kogelo Nyangoma, despite the US President’s roots being more entrenched in Kendu Bay.

The meeting, soon after the US President landed in Kenya for a three-day visit, appeared to have calmed tension between Mr Obama’s Kogelo and Kanyadhiang kinsmen.

Mama Penina Adhiambo Nyangweso Obama and Mzee Alfred Obambo Oguta Obama praised the president’s step-sister, Dr Auma Obama.

During an interview with the Nation, Mama Penina said Dr Auma, who was their interpreter, introduced each of them to President Obama, who shook their hands.

Mama Penina also marvelled at the warmth and affection that their son “displayed to them”.

“An ka ne aneno nyathiwano, ne aparo mana wuongi Barack Hussein mane jahera ka en (When we met our son, I just remembered his father Barack Hussein Obama, who was so loving),” she said.

She showed the Daily Nation a gift with the seal of the US President that was presented to them by Mr Obama.

According to Mzee Alfred, Mr Ezra Ogosa Obama, who was their spokesman, presented their memorandum.

“I am indeed elated that I met our son,” said Mzee Alfred.

He said they requested the president to facilitate the construction of Obama primary and secondary schools as well as a health centre in Kendu Bay.

President Obama, Mzee Alfred said, promised to look into their requests.