Mama Sarah Onyango Obama, grandmother to the former US President Barack Obama was laid to rest on Tuesday 30th March 2021 at Nyang’oma village, Alego Usonga constituency, Siaya County.
Only relatives and close family members were allowed to attend the burial that lasted for approximately two hours with mourners passing across brief condolence messages.
Family members led by Malik Obama described the late Mama Sarah as a philanthropic, hardworking woman who was after ensuring that her family and by extension society around her was at peace at all the time.
They further revealed how the late was a unifying factor in the family who ensured her family members were united throughout.
Muslim leaders expressed Mama Sarah`s demise as a great loss to Islam community where she belonged describing her as a great pillar in the growth of the Islam religion in Alego Usonga, Siaya despite the challenges she encountered.
“Mama Sarah was among the first people who participated in the construction of a mosque in this area and she was really dedicated to the course,” said one of the Muslim leaders.
Elected and non elected leaders who attended the ceremony sighted Mama Sarah`s efforts in upholding education, unity and her charitable works.
Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga and his Kisumu counterpart Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o eulogized the late as a very disciplined and firm person who would associate easily with people.
They emphasized on her generosity by ensuring those one who lacked were assisted.
The two leaders revealed that there will be a plan to gazette Mama Sarah`s home as a tourist attraction centre with Hon Rasanga promising that his government will continue supporting the home despite Mama Sarah`s demise.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Siaya County Commissioner Michael Ole Tialal called upon Kenyans to strictly adhere to protocols outlined by the ministry of health in the fight against the spread of COVID-19.
“Covid-19 is real, many people have died as a result of the pandemic, kindly follow the guidelines from the Ministry of Health to keep away the virus,” said Mr. Tialal.
“Ensure you wash your hands regularly with running water using soap, use sanitizers, wear your masks and please wear them properly, it is about your life,” he explained.
Mr. Tialal further appealed to parents and guardians to take good care of their children by guiding them especially during this holiday.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in his speech that was read to mourners by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Raychelle Omamo eulogized the late Mama Sarah as a hardworking person.
He said Mama Sarah despite not acquiring education to the highest level used her skills to impact positively to people especially the vulnerable ones.
The late Mama Sarah Onyango Obama aged ninety nine died on Monday 29th March 2021 while on medication at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga hospital in Kisumu.
