Kidero meets Sarah Obama, says Kenya is safe to host Obama

Nairobi County Governor Evans Kidero (left) with Mama Sarah Obama at City Hall during a courtesy call  to launch the Obama National malaria walk scheduled to take place on July 25. [PHOTO/GOVEDI ASUTSA/STANDARD]

Nairobi County Governor Dr. Evans Kidero has insisted that Kenya is safe enough to host United States President Barrack Obama during his most anticipated visit this July.

This comes amid speculations that President Obama may not visit the country due to the high security concerns.

In his statement, Kidero said that Kenyans should not be worried about their safety as every possible security measure has been put in place for both Kenyans and visitors as well.

"Kenya is safe, and Nairobi is much safer," Kidero said. "More so security is a worldwide concern."

Kidero added that the beautification of the city is not only for the purpose of Obama's visit but also for Nairobians themselves. "This is a vote of confidence for the country and we should all embrace it," he said. He added that some of the projects taking place were already in the county's development agenda.

Governor Kidero was speaking at the city hall today when Mama Sarah Obama paid him a visit on a follow up concerning Obama's visit preparations. Mama Sarah said that Obama's visit was initiated by her when she visited him in the United States.

"I have always been requesting my grandson to ensure that he visits Kenya when he is still the sitting president of America," she said. "He should not fail to reach Kogelo too as he has to visit his father's grave yard."

Mama Sarah, who is also part of Grandmothers Against Malaria Campaign said that she hopes President Obama will be sleeping under a mosquito net during his stay in Kenya as former United States President George Bush did when he visited Arusha, Tanzania in 2008.

She added that the annual National Malaria Walk that has been scheduled on 25th July during Obama's visit will be renamed to Obama Malaria Walk which she has already endorsed Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero to flag off the event as it will be taking place for the first time in Nairobi.

Obama's visit has been confirmed by the United States Ambassador to Kenya Robert F. Godec who said that the visit is both for official and personal duties.