Governor Condemns MP's Remarks on Benefit of Obama Presidency to Siaya

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga has condemned Alego-Usonga MP Samuel Atandi over his recent remarks criticising former US President Barack Obama.

In an interview early this week, Atandi claimed that Kogelo has nothing much to show despite having links with President Obama.

Atandi claimed the village got a raw deal from Obama who was at one point the most powerful man in the world.

Kogelo is the ancestral home of Barack Obama Snr; father to President Obama.

Responding to Atandi, Governor Rasanga noted that the remarks were unfortunate, adding that the legislator ought to know better than criticize Obama who is not a Kenyan citizen.

 “I heard the MP utter unfortunate comments about the former president of the US who has roots in our county. The unfortunate comments must be condemned,” Rasanga said.

 “The MP should not have waited until Mama Sarah to pass on to issue such statements. If he had any issue with any of the Obamas, he should have looked for a better avenue to channel his displeasure,” Rasanga said.

Meanwhile, the MCA in charge of Kogelo village Joseph Mboha said the region has benefited immensely from the Obama family. He cited tarmacking of Ndori - Kogelo - Ngiya and increased tourism as some of the major benefits.

“It is not right to claim that our area did not gain from the former president. The trading centre in Kogelo is more vibrant today, teeming with international tourists who just come to trace his roots. These visitors spend money in the area whenever they visit which boost the local economy,” Mboha said.

Meanwhile, Obama’s Grandmother Mama Sarah Obama passed on this week and was buried in Kogelo in accordance to Muslim traditions.

She died at the age of 99 and was eulogized as a loving, welcoming, and key pillar to Obama and the community.