Barack Obama wants to visit 'magical' Lamu, Mara
US President Barack Obama speaks with Olive Burrows of Capital FM, during an interview in Nairobi on July 26, 2015. PHOTO | SAUL LOEB |
What you need to know:
- US leader recalls previous trip with Michelle.
- Obama also wishes to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
US President Barack Obama on Sunday expressed a desire to visit the Maasai Mara and Lamu.
In an interview with Capital FM's Olive Burrows, President Obama when asked what Kenyan destinations he would love to visit responded with the Mara and Lamu, describing both as "magical".
"Lamu is a place I would be interested in visiting again, it is top on my list. I went there with Michelle after our engagement and I remember taking the dhow to fish, and cooking the fish right at the beach, it was remarkable," he said.
STRUGGLING INDUSTRY
The US leader's comments will come as a huge boost to the country's tourism industry, which has been struggling following terrorist attacks and travel advisories.
However, keen not to sideline other destinations President Obama said: "I know there are other places in Kenya that I might not have explored; even in Uganda and Tanzania. For example, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is top of my to-do list, but the Secret Service does not like me climbing mountains, which is why I should visit as a private citizen."
During the interview held immediately after an event at Kenyatta University, President Obama said that one of the things he had failed to accomplish during his presidency was passing stricter gun laws.
"When I look at the list of the things I had projected to accomplish when I became president, at least seven out of 10 are done, but I am not completely satisfied."
