1:10 PM EDT: The President is scheduled to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Lots more live Kenyan streaming links here
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‘Welcome Obama’
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A really nice piece on Auma Obama and President Obama’s ancestral village:
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.@POTUS ‘s half-sister Auma “My brother has carried our name up there” http://t.co/3ZlLcawNbU https://t.co/szFCif3ssH pic.twitter.com/nRY4aznD67
— The Lovely Plains (@DaRiverZkind) July 23, 2025
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From then Senator Obama’s trip to Kenya in 2006
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This is the Kenya I knew when I spent two years there, from 1992 to 1994, working with the Jesuit Refugee Service. Of course it’s wrong to generalize about a people or a country, and Kenya encompasses men, women and children from a stunning variety of ethnic backgrounds speaking dozens of indigenous languages (most also speak Swahili and English), but perhaps positive generalizations are okay. Nearly to a person, the Kenyan men and women I knew were warm, welcoming, friendly, upbeat, clever, playful, helpful, and, most of all, hopeful. I adored living there, loved working and living among them, and enjoyed learning Swahili (and even a little Maasai)…For Kenyans the visit of President Obama, a man with deep Kenyan roots, is of enormous significance and a cause for celebration.
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Karibu! http://t.co/Jadh8LLrEV Welcome to Kenya, President Obama. https://t.co/FqFHw3ISz3
— The Lovely Plains (@DaRiverZkind) July 23, 2025
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Family is of inestimable significance for Kenyans, and nearly everyone knows what tribe you’re from, and the location of your family’s shamba (loosely translated as “farm” but a larger word meaning homeland). It’s especially easy for Kenyans to figure out what ethnic group Barack Obama hails from. He is obviously a Luo, as evidenced by the “O” that begins his last name. Luo names are ones like Odhiambo, Omondi, Okello, Onyango, Otieno. When I living in Kenya, the Jesuit vocation director for East Africa was a florid-faced, white-haired, Irishman named Sean O’Connor who, like me, loved his adopted country. Sean loved to joke with the East Africans when they asked where he was from, that of course he was a Luo. “Can’t you tell from my name?” he would say. “It’s Oconnor, after all.” During the president’s trip to Kenya, I hope that the media covers the following: the way that Kenyans often make do with so little; the way that they are able to live among a welter of cultures and languages; the stunning beauty of their land; their deep pride in their heritage; their great love of country. So with my friends (marafiki) in Kenya, I say to the President, “Karibu Kenya, Rais Obama!”
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PAGE Amb @TheSharkDaymond speaks at the Opening Plenary #GES2015Kenya Women & Youth Day with Sec @PennyPritzker pic.twitter.com/3bJcYpjQRE
— US Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) July 24, 2025
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Vehicles at JKIA Terminal 2 carted away to pave way for President Obama’s arrival #ObamaHomecoming pic.twitter.com/TpGdFmKsn5
— Nation FM (@NationFMKe) July 24, 2025
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Guests invited to President Obama’s speech at Safaricom Indoor Arena on Sunday queue for tickets. #ObamaInKenya pic.twitter.com/j2KdPHtulh
— Daily Nation (@dailynation) July 24, 2025
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Spotted along Thika road. #ObamaInKenya pic.twitter.com/arYdfQzaSL
— Daily Nation (@dailynation) July 24, 2025
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Obama’s motorcade, with the two Beasts leading, has rolled into Terminal 2 at the JKIA #ObamaInKenya pic.twitter.com/OVkfx3tGHJ
— Daily Nation (@dailynation) July 24, 2025
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The Global Entrepreneurship Summit #GES2015 aims to empower women and youth. @POTUS @BarackObama #ObamaHomecoming pic.twitter.com/ucK7X2jVwG
— UGO Uganda (@UgoUganda) July 24, 2025
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Kenyans ready to give @BarackObama a hearty welcome on his arrival. #ObamainKenya pic.twitter.com/wEuLjCI9q5
— Nation FM (@NationFMKe) July 24, 2025
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Makini school choir to sing for @BarackObama at @StateHouseKenya http://t.co/A7fZjyh1lV pic.twitter.com/EwBOPpxBKg
— Nation FM (@NationFMKe) July 24, 2025
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This is it was like more than 20 years ago. Now he is known as @POTUS #ObamaReturns #ObamaHomecoming pic.twitter.com/SldLcw7LVx
— Kenico wamkubwa (@wamkubwa) July 24, 2025
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Interview with #BBCNEWSDAY @GES2015Kenya about President Obama’s trip to Africa @POTUS http://t.co/QPOdsPCaEv
— Jack Leslie (@jackleslie) July 24, 2025
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@KenyaembassyDC @USEmbassyKenya @AU_PSD @SomaliPM @undpsouthsudan Join our #ObamaInAfrica conversation at 1pmET? http://t.co/KwPjWzmwi7
— U.S. Inst. of Peace (@USIP) July 24, 2025
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ICYMI: A Q&A on Obama’s Kenya trip with Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker http://t.co/UVLd3L79Xk @PennyPritzker #GES2015 @voxdotcom
— U.S. Commerce Dept. (@CommerceGov) July 24, 2025
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ICYMI: Obama’s Africa trip is all about #trade #investment & #tech http://t.co/Op6DHQft5N @FortuneMagazine @PennyPritzker #GES2015
— U.S. Commerce Dept. (@CommerceGov) July 24, 2025
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#ChooseKenya, Africa’s innovation hub https://t.co/UqwLtgHpw6 #GES2015Kenya @thenailab @iHub
— GES 2015 Kenya (@GES2015Kenya) July 24, 2025
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#ObamainKenya #GES2015Kenya pic.twitter.com/392UYhPlIm
— Nation FM (@NationFMKe) July 24, 2025
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pic.twitter.com/RXNWFxOos1
— Vice Chancellor, KU (@KU_VCsOffice) July 24, 2025
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Welcome home @POTUS, pic.twitter.com/WBfhDUJd1L
— Bamlanganga Nderema (@edwinobuya1) July 24, 2025
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Hello?
Yes!
congrats 57
Congratulations 57andfemale! LP - so appreciate this post and your personal story of living and working in Kenya.
TY, Judith….one clarification those anecdotes are from The Rev. James Martin, S.J. ….you can click on the tweet/or link for the full article :)
Fabulous post LP, you’ve got me in the Kenyan mood!!! Thank you ENORMOUSLY!!!!!
My pleasure, Chips!
Top man!!!! :-) Love the newspaper front pages!!
They are so good ‘The Standard’ Your special 128-page bumper issue !!!!
THANK YOU CHIPS FOR THE AWESOME PEEKS…………….YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!…H’O’ME!
Thank you LP - those pictures of the trip with his family - before the hair turned grey - love them
YW,99.
Trying to stay positive. Even though It seems impossible with everything that’s been happening.
This thread gives me chills. Thank you LP. This is amazing.
Sure thing, Jackie
Morning all.
Well, gee, the EmEssEm gets something wrong again.
It is obvious that the NYT with all the RWNJs from Politico now employed at the Great Old Lady……. the Mike Allens from Politico and The GOPers are steadily using the NYT to systematically attacking HRC and Dems 24/7. They print untruths, when called out……after the story have been well circulated, then a quick, Oops, Did I do that, without any retractions, apologies, corrections,…….but just by changing a word or two here and there, then Move on to another false narrative with some polls to regurgitate their Original Diatribe……..Dems need to have their Own Media and then, use that News Media to drive their own stories or this endless Foxification of News will Never Die.
Typical NYTimes crap! Publish a false story with headlines, small correction on page 20.
Dammit i hate when I’m stupid enough to comment on it.
I see NYT has turned into complete CRAP.
Oh this is really lovely, LP. Thank you!
YW, Sherijr.
Stupendous, LP!! Thank you.
The Karibu Kenya video so moving I am reaching for a tissue. What is wrong with me?
YW, Vicki! ….nothing wrong w/you at all :)
Great post, lp. Well done, desi.
no and…but :???: high praise indeed!
Wow, LP ;) Bravo!
Just Wonderful. Unbeatable!
Congrats 57andFemale, Gold is indeed, your Gem :)
TY, Nena!
And, of course, awesome post, LP.
Thank you kind sir!
:cool: Thanks, LPlains!
I like the little security piece described in the link in this tweet.
YW, VC :cool:
Seems McConnell is in trouble with his party because he is attempting to pass some needed legislation. I would guess this is why the GOP is polling so badly with its own party - they don’t like that legislation is getting passed that will assist the President to govern.
A Harry Reed staffer on twitter explaining it all.
https://twitter.com/AJentleson
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/249076-cruz-accuses-mcconnell-of-lying-to-him-on-ex-im-bank
https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKenya
LP, that last photo ….! Gave me the best cackle! The guy isn’t messing around with his styling! :)
I wondered if maybe it was a ‘tree’ sculpture.
He wasn’t playing around, Gazelle!
Thank you LP for this lovely thread! My experience in Tanzania in 1989 was similar to yours in terms of my impressions, generalizations or not:-) My time was out near Iringa, Tanzania and the surrounding villages to work on establishing a “sister” relationship between my church in St. Paul, MN and the Iringa diocese. It was a life changing experience for me, and ultimately lead to my decision to adopt my daughter from Bolivia a year later. I am so looking forward to this next week while we live the experience again through PBO!
My pleasure, Foxfire! ….sounds like Tanzania was a great experience and it is great that prompted a wonderful addition to your family.
Y’all the Secret Service will cut off all cell/phone service upon arrival and during motorcade and will control Kenya communications during the duration of his visit. This is to prevent use of cell phones to set off bombs. Secret Service don’t play.
:D
:oops: I read that 1st as ‘still UNable’
Hey everyone, I’ve added a live video and live links to the top of the post, not sure if PBO is ahead of schedule or behind, but due to arrive soon-ish
Thank you kindly, my Lady Chips! I’m almost ready for his arrival - just have to touch up my face and hairdo. :/
:lol:
What’s so funny - you don’t think my touch up will make a significant difference? /frowning/
I am so happy that the president has traveled to Kenya. None of his foreign trips will ever be so meaningful than this one by that nations citizens. They have enormous pride and respect for the president and his family which cannot be surpassed even here in the United States , not even the enormous pride felt by African-Americans.
When he visited Ireland, the Irish people were of course overwhelmingly delighted of their sons return; Keyans will be doubly pleased that their son has returned as the most powerful man on the planet.
I have honestly longed for this day hoping for massive outpouring of love. If as I suspect that there will be overwhelming crowds of well-wishers I doubt the US Media will show it. This will be unfortunate for everyone. I cross my finger and hope that the US Media will keep us informed of the presidents travels. I know the African and European media will and of course the Obama Diary enthusiast.
Keyans take care of this wonderful , intelligent thoughtful son and return him safely to us.
I have been to that Kenya airport & Nairobi so many times. I can see familiar spots. Yes, i am now feeling very homesick - wish i was there
I had a shirt similar to that , it was polyester, I hated wearing it in summer. And indeed I had many form-fitting jeans back in the day. Funny that this photo takes me back to magical days as a youth growing up - closeness to mom et al.
Touchdown!
:D :D :D Most accurate use of ‘Breaking News’ I’ve seen in a while!
The President arrives in Nairobi, Kenya. Click here ► ► http://www.cbsnews.com/liveFeed/widget.shtml
Thank you LP for this lovely, informative post! I learned so many things I didn’t know about Kenya, such as the ancestral history of the “O” name! How cool is that?
I can trace back parts of my ancestral history that specifically and other branches of my family I cannot. The knowledge of my African ancestral history, unfortunately, stops around the time of the American Revolution and they were already using an English name. Maybe some day I can spend some time digging a little deeper and somehow find that/those names.
Super busy these days, but I will try to peek in at the live feed today. Thank you so much Chips and all of TOD, as usual! I am enjoying the PBO presidency to its fullest because of this place.
That is very kind of you, MadamSoph.
Help Chips! My comment is in moderation because I spelled my own nickname incorrectly! :-)
Thanks so much! watching the live feed now!!
Good Afternoon TODVille!
Always thrilled to see my POTUS arriving… anywhere!
Looks like a LOT of flowers! :D
So nice to see all this. I am sure the coverage will be awesome. :) Good to see he´s up for some good time.
He’s down the stairs. Hey I love that huge BLACK bald SS guy ( or US airforce ) standing beside stairwell on right - he’s about 2 meters tall!
Some people are giving their life stories to POTUS. No!
The debarking wasnt as bad as I thought — Remember the African country he visited where everybody in government was in line for handshake upon his deplaning. It took forever! What country was that?
Was it Ghana?
GEESH…THIS MAKES ME NERVOUS…GET HIM IN THE DARN CAR AND STRAP HIM IN!
Sue, Kenya isn’t any more dangerous than any other country for him to travel to. Remember this is the most most powerful man on the planet and he commands a military that is formidable. His secret service and CIA ( Yes the field agents get involved in foreign travels of president) details have anticipated and studied the environment, this you can believe for every presidential visit> Relax and enjoy the visuals I there are good agents on the situation.
THANK YOU MITTENS……………..I NEEDED THAT!
Auna Obama rides with her brother in THE BEAST.
Yes, I noticed her in receiving line as well.
AWESOME…WITH HIS SISTER!!!!!!….MY HEART IS WARM…PRECIOUS MOMENTS…TAKE GOOD…FORGET THE GOOD…TAKE EXCELLENT CARE OF HIM…OR I’LL ‘SUE’ YA!
I’M NO GOOD AT THIS STUFF…I’D HAVE HIM HANDCUFFED TO THE STEERINGWHEEL ALREADY AND DELIVERED IN A FULLY ARMORED TANK…LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL…YEP…THAT’S ME!
Thank you TOD!
That was Awesome!
Unbeatable!
POTUS sister is there to great him, she is riding in the Beast with him.
It looks like her said in her ear, I love you. Such a sweet reunion.
No, seeing it again, it looks like he asked, how are you?
By FAITH ONEYA
A school famous for its academic prowess will get a chance to prove its choral might when it sings for the world’s most powerful man.
The Makini school choir will be one of the two that will entertain President Barack Obama at State House in Nairobi on Saturday.
The school was selected by the Ministry of Education alongside a second one from Samburu.
Speaking to Nation.co.ke, Catherine Njuguna, the headmistress of Makini State House School, where most of the 60-strong choir members study, said it was an honour for the school.
………….. snaip ……………………….
The group was invited to the festival by US music directors who had seen them perform at the Children’s Festival in Turkey in 2011 where the school was representing Kenya.
…………………………………………………………………….. //
http://www.nation.co.ke/counties/nairobi/Makini-school-choir-Obama-State-House/-/1954174/2806650/-/q0pg6o/-/index.html
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW…………………..TEARS OF JOY!…BEAUTIFUL!
:cool: très :cool:
Okay you savvy TODobots, is there any significance to the 800-002 on the license plate? [I’m gathering trivia info for the future. :D I only realized that the streets in WDC are named after the States when doing the WH quiz a couple of nights ago.]
:D :D Trivia strikes again (though I can’t see where this matters). :D
More Factoid ;)
NOT happy they’re showing WHICH Beast he’s in.
For some reason I’m not as nervous as I sometimes used to be, Meta. Fact is, getting a little ‘inside look’ at the preparation and security for his Jamaica visit has made some difference to my outlook vis-a-vis foreign security.
I love this SSA agent. She looks like someone NOT to phuck with.
She is NOT the one!. That look says a mofo better not even think of it.
No doubt! Still, the decoy is there for a purpose and I think showing the license plate of the one he’s in isn’t helpful.
I hear you, and I do understand.
I believe it was when the Obamas wet to Ireland, POTUS was working, and Auma was with FLOTUS and the girls. Was it Ireland or England? I’m not so sure.
So I read on the YouTube chat next to the live feed that visiting dignitaries usually arrive at night because there is less traffic/activity in the area and, also, by arriving at night they can get a good night’s sleep before the next day’s festivities. It’s 8:30 pm in Kenya now, so the late-night TOD thread should be exciting! (darn, I work Saturdays and I have to go to bed early :-( )
Some family members just got back from visiting Kenya - haven’t had a chance to see pics or hear about the trip though.
OH, MY, help me. I’m choking up at the really lovely coverage on Kenyan TV. So wonderful to see him so thoroughly celebrated.
THIS IS SO PERFECT META…THE WAY HE SHOULD ALWAYS BE TREATED!
I’M LOVIN’ IT…AND OF COURSE I NOTICED ………………………….THE SOX!
<3 so much that I am repeating it….. :)
No, PBO more than most who describe themselves as such, was born African-American (father/mother) on the shores of these United States of America. Nor is he a complete Kenyan. Folks need to get it right and stop projecting.
Very very, COOL!
MOM ALERT!
Kenyan TV noting how he bounds down the stairs of AF1, seeing it as a sign of high energy. LOLz.
HE’S THE ENERGIZER…HE NEVER RUNS DOWN!…HE IS SO EXCITED…IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE HE HAS BEEN THERE……………….SOOOOOOOOOOOO SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!
This is exactly like Indinan TV! Image consultant… psychoanalysis..”President Obama hugged the little girl for a long time (he may be missing his daughters) and making President Kenyatta wait…showing he is the most powerful man in the world” …we will later discuss his choice of tie/socks….now the hosts are talking about twerking and doing PBO voice impersonations…the set consists of bean bags, selfie-sticks, and PBO cutouts..this was pure gold :D
Inorite? It’s HILARIOUS!!
I had flashbacks to the anchors on NDTV….that was some premo coverage! …trying to avoid watching anymore…got some chores to do :D :D
Good luck, it’s pretty addictive!
Each and every time I’ve seen PBO in person, there is always a female SS agent in his immediate coverage.
THIS AGENT MEANS BUSINESS….WHOEVER IS MARRIED TO HER DOES NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT HER COOKING…LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!
O.k. TODers: I am in need of education/enlightenment: What is the significance of the “Green Army”? I can’t get a straight answer from Google.
Mass Shooting Tracker
http://shootingtracker.com/wiki/Mass_Shootings_in_2015
I think some are missing.. I don’t see Charleston or Chattanooga on the list
LOVE you LP and Chips!!
Thank you LP for this awesome thread. Our POTUS is going to be so welcomed there. Thank you Kenay :-)
My pleasure, Roberta.
Wow!
The Cartoonist is Not a fan of Kenyan Politicians…….
<3 it.
Sweet!
I WILL UNFORTUNATELY HAVE TO MISS SOME OF THIS TODAY…HAVE TO EAT AN EARLY DINNER BEFORE PEOPLE COME TO PICK UP OUR SOFAS…MORE DOWNSIZING AND GIVING IT TO A SINGLE MOM WHO NEEDS IT…IT FEELS GOOD SHEDDING SO MUCH OF THIS STUFF…WISH MY HIPS WERE THAT EASY!…HUGS EVERYONE….BACK LATER ON TO CATCH UP ON MY PRESIDENT…GET YOUR OWN………….X0X0X0X0X0X0! BE SAFE MR. PRESIDENT…YOU ARE LOVED BY MANY!
You can count on The Count to give you whole biography with 140 characters.
Remember Knoller, he was not born in Kenya. Pass that on to those birther idiots.
Chat on
http://theobamadiary.com/2015/07/24/embrace-5/