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Obama’s exclusion of K’Ogelo from his itinerary disappoints residents


Residents of K’Ogelo village are saddened by Thursday’s announcement that US President Barack Obama will not visit the village when he comes to Kenya next week.

The residents, who had high expectations that President Obama would visit them, said the announcement made by US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec that Mr Obama had limited time was ‘sad news’.

Mr Godec said, in an interview on KTN’s Jeff Koinange Live show, on Thursday that it was difficult for the US President to visit his ancestral home.

United States of America President Barack Obama
United States of America President Barack Obama. FILE PHOTO | NAIROBI NEWS

Most of the residents who spoke to the Daily Nation however said they were still hoping that Obama would bring them goodies as much as he will not be at Kogelo in person.

Among the residents who expressed disappointment by the turn of events is Cynthia Mwende, 17, a form two student at Senator Obama Secondary, who appealed to US President to honour request put in a letter she wrote despite his decision to skip K’Ogelo.

LETTER TO OBAMA

Ms Mwende had written a letter to the US President requesting him to visit the school during his tour to help upgrade the school named after him to international status, purchase a bus for them as well as sponsor her colleagues.

“We (students) are disappointed with the decision for him not to visit our school, but we know that there is an important reason for the decision. We are confident that he read our letter and he will fulfill our requests” said Ms Mwende.

The Principal of the school Mr Elly Odongo who spoke on behalf of the teachers and students also said he is hopeful that Mr Obama will grant them their request.

“We had high hopes that Obama would visit K’Ogelo this time round. But protocol must be respected,” Mr Odongo said.

The US embassy has been categorical that President Obama’s itinerary for the Kenyan tour was still being worked on.