Mama Sarah Obama Zumbathon raises Sh25m

The inaugural Mama Sarah Obama Foundation Zumbathon raised more than Sh25 million that will help 1,500 needy children.

Hundreds of Kenyans thronged the Nyayo Stadium yesterday to participate in the first of a kind Zumba-Marathon dance in support of the initiative by US President Barrack Obama’s grandmother.

Zumba is an aerobic fitness programme with Brazilian origin, featuring dance movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance and performed primarily to Latin American dance music.

Debra Akello the Executive Director of Mama Sarah Obama Foundation, said the funds will be used to complete the construction of a model early Childhood Development Education(ECDE) centre in K’ogelo, Siaya County.

Businesswoman Esther Passaris (front third right) and other fitness enthusiasts dance to zumba music at the Mama Sarah Obama Foundation Zumbathon charity event held at Nyayo Stadium yesterday. (PHOTO: DAVID GICHURU/STANDARD)

“The Zumbathon is one of the strategies to fundraise for the projects. We are doing all we can to ensure we establish an education and health campus that will serve not only K’ogelo, but the adjacent areas as well,” she said.

The foundation seeks to improve the education and welfare of orphaned children through its Sh1.2 billion legacy project.

“We are impressed by the immense support from Kenyans and corporate bodies,” said Ms Akello, who added that they plan to make the Zumbathon an annual event.

Mama Sarah missed the event due to ill health. Her grandson Said Obama said the 94-year-old fell ill three days ago.

Standard Group was the official media sponsor of the event and pumped Sh5 million worth of advertising in all its media platforms that include KTN, KTN News, The Standard, The Nairobian and Radio Maisha.

Doreen Mbaya, the Group’s Head of Marketing, said the media company will continue supporting initiatives meant to help the less fortunate in the society.