President Kenyatta condoles with the Obama family
NAIROBI, 29th March 2021 (PSCU) – President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with the Obama family following the death of Mama Sarah Onyango Obama.
Mama Sarah, who is the third wife of the paternal grandfather of former US President Barack Obama, died Monday morning in Kisumu.
In his message of comfort, the President mourned the Obama family matriarch as an icon of family values and a philanthropist whose contribution to the progress of the Kenyan nation shall be dearly missed.
“The passing away of Mama Sarah is a big blow to our nation. We’ve lost a strong, virtuous woman. A matriarch who held together the Obama family and was an icon of family values,” the President eulogised.
Mama Sarah Obama will be remembered by many for her philanthropic work especially in her Nyang’oma Kogelo home in Siaya County where she initiated several community development projects.
“She was a loving and celebrated philanthropist who graciously shared the little she had with the less fortunate in her community,” the President mourned Mama Sarah, 99, who passed away while receiving treatment at a Kisumu hospital.
The President wished the Obama family God’s grace as they mourn their departed matriarch.
The former prime minister Raila Odinga mourned her too among other leaders.
In the passing of Mama Sarah Obama, we have lost a matriarch who lived ahead of her time. She single-handedly kept the family going long after the husband departed. In between, she became a symbol of the Resilience and Confidence of the African woman with a unique capacity to face the challenges of life.
She utilized her grandson President Barack Obama’s rise to promote the education of girls and fight social ills through her Foundation. Mama Ida and I pass our sincere condolences to the Obama family.
The deputy President William Ruto had this to say.
Our country has lost a charismatic, self-determined and formidable figure who played an instrumental part in supporting and promoting the welfare of the vulnerable in the society.
Mama Sarah Onyango Obama broke barriers, went against the grain and helped foster confidence in women leadership. She was transformational and fearless. We will miss her warmth and signature smiles that inspired many of us.
Our commiserations to the family and their loved ones during this painful time of mourning. Rest In Peace, Mama Sarah.
