Kogelo awakens in anticipation of Obama visit

Mama Sarah Obama with guests who visited her home in Kogelo Siaya county on July 11 2015. [PHOTO/ COLLINS ODUOR/STANDARD]

In Kogelo village, the ancestral home of US President Barack Obama, expectations are high that he will visit even if for a few hours and meet his brothers and sisters.

A drive to Mama Sarah's home reveals a quiet environment with no visible activities along the road to indicate the US President will be visiting, but as one reaches Obama's grandmother's home, many preparations became apparent.

Inside the compound, visitors stream in and out to not only visit Mama Sarah but also get a feel of Obama's roots.

Marsat Obama, the US President's half-sister, is busy welcoming visitors from all walks of life - locals, journalists and foreigners.

She, however, states that welcoming the visitors is a routine and that should Obama visit, it will be like welcoming back a member of the family who has been away for a while.

"I really hope Obama will come. For me it will be like receiving my brother home," she said.

Marsat said some of the visitors are from various organisations interested in supporting some of the agricultural projects the family is undertaking and not necessarily about her brother's visit.

She said the family has not received any confirmation on Obama's visit, therefore, not much preparations have been put in place.

Meanwhile, a small hut has been constructed just in front of the late Barrack Obama Sr's grave, which Marsat says will be used for receiving invited guests if Obama visits.

The hut is being constructed by the county government and it has been fixed with tiles, iron sheets, grilled windows and with final touches being made.

"The hut will have seats and a television where Obama' history will be documented for those who will not have a chance to meet Mama Sarah," said Marsat.

Security is tight at the home, with Administration police officers conducting security checks  before visitors can be allowed into the compound.

At Senator Barack Obama Secondary School, preparations are in top gear, with the school fraternity hoping that the US President will visit for a second time.

He first visited the school when he was the Illinois Senator. Principal Henry Odongo said the students hope to have a glance at the most powerful person in the world whose name is engraved on their gate.

"One of our students did a letter to President Obama and our hope is that he heeds the plea of the children who want to see him so much," said Mr Odongo.