Villagers remember Mama Sarah Obama as champion for change

Mama Sarah Obama is assisted by her relative, Henry Sidiga, to get an update on current affairs at her home in Kogelo, Siaya County. [PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA/STANDARD]

Memories of Mama Sarah Obama waking up the sleepy village of Kogelo with her love for change lingered in the minds of patriarchs who saw her arrive in the area as a young woman.

From putting on trousers to riding a bicycle, she was the mantle of empowerment for women in the village that was then stifled with traditions on what was required of locals, especially females.

Villagers who spoke to The Standard also remembered Sarah as a hardworking woman who sold mandazis and sweets at Nyang'oma market in Kogelo many years ago.

Eighty-one-year-old Raphael Sidede, a neighbour, recalled how a young Sarah shocked the village when she emerged wearing trousers to the market and went about her duties unbothered by the locals' shock.

"She was the first woman I ever saw wearing trousers in this village. We were very surprised at her bold move at the time because women were not permitted to put on that item that is a preserve for men," Sidede told The Standard yesterday, smiling.

The village was in for another shocker when she was seen riding a bicycle to Ng'iya, as she took her son Hussein Obama (deceased) to school.

"She rode the bicycle every morning to Ng'iya, taking Hussein to school. This surprised many residents, as no woman had been seen riding a bicycle in the village," Sidede narrated.

Patricia Anyango, who worked at Mama Sarah's farms, recalled her generosity and how she helped the less fortunate.

"She donated to the needy and the neighbours foodstuff and other basic items that she received from the USA. Her doors were always open and any person who showed up in need of help would be given something," said Ms Anyango.

Eating some food

No visitor left the woman’s home without drinking or eating some food, many villagers who spoke to The Standard yesterday said.

Aggrey Ochieng', also a neighbour, recalled how Sarah always gave him porridge whenever he paid her a visit.

Sarah was the third wife of Hussein Obama, and had expressed concerns that her ailment negatively affected normal operations of her foundation, which sponsors orphans and vulnerable children in Kogelo.

Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, South East Alego MCA Joseph Mboha have sent their condolence messages to the family.

Governor Cornel Rasanga, in a Press statement, said for the period he knew Sarah Obama, the matriarch came across as generous, loving, caring and quite compassionate. 

"With the demise of Mama (Sarah), the people of Siaya County will miss her gentle guidance on cultural matters as well as noble works as an ambassador of peaceful coexistence of our people. On behalf of the people of Siaya County, I send my heartfelt condolences to the Obama family during these difficult moments and pray for God's peace and consolation in dealing with this unfortunate loss," said Mr Rasanga.

Mr Atandi said Sarah was a wise woman who brought development to Kogelo village and that her role in community development would be missed.

Mr Mboha eulogised Sarah as a kind and generous woman who ensured the needy from Kogelo were well taken care of.