Eldoret, Kenya: Entertainment joints were full to the brim as locals were glued to TV screens eager to watch Air Force One touch down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The arrival of President Barack Obama elicited excitement among locals. There was wild applause when he descended from the aircraft and was received by President Uhuru Kenyatta with the climax being when he embraced his sister Dr Auma Obama.
“This is a memorable moment for Kenya. I have been moved by how the President of a super power State considered visiting Kenya for the first time. History books have been re-written today and I hope the same trickles across our country’s leadership,” said Korir Kiplimo, a resident.
Another resident, Lilian Kirwa, could not contain her joy saying she had been moved by Obama’s humility despite his being the most powerful leader in the world.
“He embraced the little girl who gave him flowers before reaching for President Kenyatta and his sister in an embrace which really touched my heart. He has Kenya at heart and his family too,” she said.
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Ms Kirwa believes the visit will change the perception that Kenya is unsafe. Rehoboam Vidolo, who momentarily forgot the cup of coffee he had ordered following Air Force One’s landing, was heard exclaiming: “A Kenyan son has ascended to great heights.”
“As Kenyans, we have today forgotten our tribes, political affiliations and other disparities to celebrate the return of a great son of the soil who has made a mark in our history books severally. Today he becomes the first sitting American President to visit Kenya,” he said.
