Obama to privately meet his relatives, in Nairobi
US President Barack Obama will meet members of his family privately in his tour to the country that begins Friday, but will not travel to his father’s ancestral home in K’Ogelo, the White house has said.
White house has further dismissed calls by local religious and political leaders who asked President Obama not to speak on gay rights, saying gay rights are human rights and President Obama ‘will feel perfectly free to raise his concerns’.
At the White House press briefing on Thursday, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice confirmed that Mr Obama will have a private moment with some of his extended family members who are still living in Kenya.
NOT GOING TO K’OGELO
She said a combination of logistical constraints and time could not allow Mr Obama to travel to his father’s home.
“I do believe he will have some time to spend privately with his family and will be with them in public events,” Ms Rice said.
While releasing the president’s itinerary of his Kenya and Ethiopia’s visit, Ms Rice said Mr Obama will not be accompanied by his family due to summer engagements especially with the Malia and Sasha Obama.
Ms Rice said trade and investments will be the central focus of the Obama’s visit.
On Saturday morning, Rice said President Obama will officially open this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Summit and then pay tribute to victims and survivors of 1998 Nairobi embassy bombing by the Al Qaeda.
Mr Obama will then hold bilateral talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta including a joint press conference and then have a state dinner.
On Sunday President Obama will speak to the Kenyans people on the relationship between the US and Kenya.
GAY RIGHTS
He will also engage with civil societies on wildlife trafficking, girls education and countering violent extremism.
On the issue of gay rights, Rice said President Obama will not limit his utterances to specific parts of the world.
“Gay rights are human rights whether we are in Washington, or somewhere in Asia or Africa…this is not something we shy away from underscoring. This is not a topic that we reserve for certain parts of the world and not others,’ Rice said.
President Obama is expected to leave the country on Sunday evening for Ethiopia.