Mama Sarah Obama: I want the best for all children

Q: How does it feel to be the grandmother of the president of the United States of America?

A: I feel very good and the reason I started supporting education of orphans was because of what education did to my grandson.

I have been travelling to different countries because of my son; I have been recognised because of him. It is God’s will that he is where he is today.

I have always encouraged my children to work hard so that they take after Barack Obama.

How do you communicate with your grandson?

He got a translator who tells him everything I say and that’s how we communicate. He calls me “Dani” (grandmother) and I call him Nyakwara (grandson).

What is this one thing that you would wish to tell Obama when he comes to Kenya in July?

There are promises that he made to me and I hope that he will fulfill them. I’m not sure he will come to Siaya though, but I will be fine with any decision because I can always talk to him any time I want; he is my grandson.

He is coming on a working tour and if he is done he can come and greet me then just go back.

How did you feel when you won the United Nations women’s award in the US?

I felt great. But remember I have also been recognised as a Doctor by the Great Lakes University in Kisumu. I have committed to work for the orphans and widows till death.

How was your visit to the United States?

I loved every bit of it more so when my son was the one taking me around the White House. We went to a room just the two of us with a translator and talked and joked; later we were joined by the family. He is a peaceful man together with the family.

Do you cook?

Yes I do it so well. I love cooking traditional vegetables and I love chapatti a lot, just like Barrack. I love eating traditional food. I have attained this age partly because of my lifestyle and the food I eat. I do not enjoy food with a lot of oil; I love traditional vegetables, dried meat, sour milk and traditional oil.

Where would you like to go for a holiday?

Of course I would love to go back to Washington DC to my grandson any time.

You never attended school as a girl did you?

I was denied education and would not wish the same to happen to my children. That’s why I started fundraising for the education of poor children.

They are going to be our future leaders and, therefore, I will give them the best that I can. I appeal to leaders and parents to do the best for our youths so that they can in turn help themselves.

You are particularly concerned about girls’ education...

All children are the same but I prefer educating a girl because they are more promising and will never forget about their parents. They will always support them while boys might find it difficult after getting married.

Who do you look up to?

I want to fight for the rights of children and widows the same way Wangari Mathari fought for the environment and won a Nobel prize. I’m looking forward to winning the Nobel prize.

How many times do you pray?

Only visitors interrupt my prayers but any minute I get is prayer time. My grandson and children are always in my prayers at all time.

What do you love doing during your free time?

 I love spending time with children and women.

What are you happy of?

The greatest satisfaction is seeing God’s grace and goodness in my life, which has taken me to levels and places I never thought possible.

I love my children and I am happy that I have been able to give them by best. I have ensured that my children get shelter, good education and good food. I am satisfied that I have been able to take many children through school.

Do you find time to rest on a busy day?

I do not find time to rest unless I turn people away. My home is always full either with my children or with the widows who have come to help me with the house chores. I wake up very early, around 5 a.m; I pray, take shower and talk to my children. At around 8 a.m. I will start receiving visitors from all corners. Now that my grandson is coming, we will be very busy.

What keeps you awake at night?

Prayers, I pray a lot.

What do you spend your money on?

My children. I do not need a lot of things for myself.