Former US President Barack Obama’s grandmother Sarah Obama (pictured) has died aged 99.

Mama Sarah, who was the only surviving grandparent of former US leader,  died while undergoing treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya’s Kisumu County.

Her elder daughter, Masat Obama, confirmed her death to the Kenyan press adding that the philanthropist has been ailing since 2019.

She was the third wife of Hussein Obama, and was the only surviving grand parent of the Obamas.

Mama Sarah has been running a foundation that she put up with the support of the former US president. The foundation, which is located in Kogelo Village in Siaya County, supports orphans in the area. 

It is in this place where she hosted the former US leader the last time he visited Kenya before retiring. The duo opened a youth centre.

Kenyan leaders have heaped praises on Mama for her contribution as a philanthropist.

Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga said: ‘‘She single-handedly kept the family going long after the husband departed. In between, she became a symbol of the Resilience and Confidence of the African woman with a unique capacity to face the challenges of life.

‘‘She utilised her grandson President Barack Obama’s rise to promote the education of girls and fight social ills through her Foundation. Mama Ida and I pass our sincere condolences to the Obama family.’’

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta termed Mama Sarah’s death as a big blow to Kenya, following her ventures of philanthropy.

“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,

“She was a loving and celebrated philanthropist who graciously shared the little she had with the less fortunate in her community,’’ Uhuru said in a condolence message on Monday morning.

More to follow…