Barack Obama's grandmother Mama Sarah Onyango Obama has died at the age of 99
Former President Barack Obama's step-grandmother Sarah Onyango Obama has reportedly passed away at a hospital in Kenya at 99. Known as Mama Sarah, she passed away early on Monday at a hospital in Kisumu in western Kenya; Mama Sarah shot to national fame in Kenya upon Barack Obama's election as president in 2008. Tourists would visit Kogelo, the village where she lived, and often knocked on her door anxious to meet the famous Mama Sarah.
Affectionately called Granny Sarah by the former president, Mrs. Obama defended her grandson during his 2008 presidential campaign when he was Muslim and not born in the US. Her home became a tourist attraction when he was elected as the first black US president. Sarah Obama was the third and youngest wife of Barack Obama's grandfather.
A family spokesman said Mrs. Obama had been unwell for a week but did not have Covid-19. She will be buried later on Monday. “We will miss her dearly," Barack Obama said, "but we'll celebrate with gratitude her long and remarkable life."
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Twitter that Mrs. Obama was "a strong, virtuous woman" and "an icon of family values."
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