Auma’s moments with US President Barack Obama during Kenyan trip

In 2004, when her brother Barack Obama captured the imagination of Americans and the rest of the World, the sign was clear that he was the rising star when he gave that speech at the Democratic Congress, then as a Junior Senator from Chicago South Side.

Over ten years later, it was Dr Auma Obama who was the rising star. On Sunday, she was the only speaker before President Barack Obama, who addressed a packed Safaricom arena with Kenyans from all walks of life including

President Uhuru Kenyatta, Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as well as school children.

“We are very grateful to Americans for allowing and electing our brother as the most powerful leader in the globe,” she said amidst applause from an adoring audience.

Clad in all black top and pants, Dr Auma looked athletic as she took the podium with the US President Seal placed minutes before the M.C announced her appearance.

She charmed the audience how his brother was truly down to earth person who cherishes Kenyan cuisine including Ugali, Nyama Choma, Nyoyo, and Omena.

“He is not lost as Luo say, ilal, he is here with us and we keep communicating regularly,” she disclosed.

She narrated how a couple of years ago, she picked him at the airport in her battered VW Beetle, and just the other day, her brother returned the favour.

“He gave me a ride in what Americans call The Beast. But do I say,” drawing thunderous applause amid laugher.

She went on to turn around in pride and mirth as the audience clapped.

And when his brother took the podium, he greeted the crowd warmly amid cheers and a standing ovation and then went on to give his sister a family hug.

“It is true, that my sister is the one who picked me up in the Beetle and I thank her for that,” he acknowledged.

“I am very happy to have been the first sitting US President to come to Kenya,” he said.

President Obama went ahead to say that Kenya has always made him feel at home. He recalled how on his first flight, he lost his baggage.

“Coming to Kenya always makes me feel at home. I feel at home,” he said to growing cheers.

President Obama announced that he will come back after his term ends.

When he finished his speech, he went on to greet Dr Auma, who was seated right next to President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He then had a chat with one of his Kenyan brothers, Malik Obama.

In the sitting arrangement, Auma was sandwiched between President Uhuru and Malik, an indication that Auma is President Obama’s favourite relative in Kenya.

Saturday night, Auma had a front seat reservation at the State House ball hosted by President Uhuru and First lady Margaret Kenyatta.

Auma took some crucial role in showing President Obama how the Luhya Lipala dance is taken as the Afro-fusion Sauti Sol sang their hit song Sura Yako.

Many recall that when President Obama was finally inaugurated to the office as US 44th President, Auma was just an arm’s length away from his power in a colourful ceremony held at the Capitol and the Mall in Washington D.C.