Mama Sarah Obama Laid to Rest in Line with Islamic Traditions

Mama Sarah Obama was on Tuesday laid to rest at her home in Kogelo village, Siaya County.

She was interred shortly after the 1:00 pm prayers in line with the Islamic burial rights.

Only family members and a few guests, including Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Rachelle Omamo, ICT PS Jerome Ochieng, Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, and his Kisumu counterpart Anyang Nyong’o, were granted entry into the home.

Members of the public who turned up for the burial ceremony were sent away by police officers due to COVID-19 protocols.

She died on Monday morning while undergoing treatment at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu. 

Mama Sarah, who was the grandmother to former US President Barack Obama, died at the age of 99 years. The family dismissed claims that she died from COVID-19 complications.

She will be remembered for her philanthropic work, which saw her initiate many community development projects in her village.

President Kenyatta eulogized the nonagenarian as an icon of family values and a philanthropist whose contribution to the country's progress shall be dearly missed.

“The passing away of Mama Sarah is a big blow to our nation. We’ve lost a strong, virtuous woman. A matriarch who held together the Obama family and was an icon of family values,” Uhuru said in a message of condolence to the family, relatives, and friends,” said Uhuru.

“She was a loving and celebrated philanthropist who graciously shared the little she had with the less fortunate in her community.”