Siaya County is well prepared for Barack Obama’s homecoming, a private family affair that the government will not be very much involved in.
The former U.S President is expected in the country on Sunday, July 15. He will meet President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition chief Raila Odinga in Nairobi before flying to Alego in Siaya County to inaugurate the Sauti Kuu (Powerful Voices) Foundation Sports, Resource and Vocational Training Centre on Monday.
The organisation, founded by Obama’s sister Dr. Auma Obama, works with disadvantaged children and youth to help them develop life skills.
Ahead of the highly anticipated visit, county officials on Wednesday addressed the media insisting that they have made enough preparations to receive Obama after his meeting with Uhuru and Raila.
“We have been working together with organisers and members of the security team in Nairobi and Siaya to ensure everything goes accordingly. The residents of Kisumu will have the opportunity to see the event via live streaming that will be set up at Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground while others will be watching the occasion from the Acacia Hotel,” said Achie Alai the Kisumu County Executive for Tourism.
Alai added: “It is a private affair that the government will not be heavily involved in. We must respect Dr. Auma Obama’s request to give them their privacy as Obama visits, and residents of Kisumu should adhere to that.”
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili expressed his joy at Obama visiting the region
“It is not lost to us that Obama is an international brand that we must associate with. His decision to stop over at Kisumu is a clear testimony that our city is a globally desired destination,” said Owili.
After his brief appearance in his hometown, Obama will then leave for South Africa where he is scheduled to stay until July 19.
