The family of Mama Sarah Obama says she has not died of Covid, and that she has been unwell for some time now. Mama Sarah died on Monday morning at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital where she was admitted at the intensive care unit.
Sheikh Musa Ishmael, the Chairman of Kisumu Muslims Association who addressed the press on behalf of the family outside Ward 7 of the hospital said Mama Sarah’s burial is set for tomorrow, Tuesday, at her Kogelo village home in Siaya County.
n his message of comfort, Uhuru mourned the Obama family matriarch as an icon of family values and a philanthropist whose contribution to the progress of the Kenyan nation shall be missed dearly.
“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 eulogised.
Mama Sarah Onyango Obama broke barriers, went against the grain and helped foster confidence in women leadership. She was transformational and fearless. We will miss her warmth and signature smiles that inspired many of us.— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) March 29, 2021
The President said Mama Sarah Obama will be remembered by many for her philanthropic work especially in her Nyang’oma Kogelo home in Siaya County where she initiated several community development projects.
“She was a loving and celebrated philanthropist who graciously shared the little she had with the less fortunate in her community,” Uhuru said.
The President wished the Obama family God’s grace as they mourn their departed matriarch.
Raila eulogised Mama Sarah Obama as a matriarch who lived ahead of her time.
“In the passing of Mama Sarah Obama, we have lost a matriarch. She single-handedly kept the family going long after the husband departed,” Raila said.
Raila added she became a symbol of the resilience and confidence of the African woman.