The family of Mama Sarah Obama, the grandmother to former US President Barack Obama, has said she did not die of Covid-19 related complications.
Mama Sarah died on Monday morning at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital where she was admitted at the intensive care unit.
Sheikh Musa Ishmael, the Chairman of Kisumu Muslims Association, addressed the press on behalf of the family outside Ward 7 of the hospital.
He said Mama Sarah had been sick for a few weeks, and was transferred to the hospital after deliberations with Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang Nyong'o.
"Mama has not died of Covid-19 related issues and we want to clarify that she has been sick for some time," said Sheikh Musa.
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He was accompanied by Said Obama, Mama Sarah's step-son.
Despite those who attended to her body being in full Covid-19 protection gear, friends and relatives were allowed to view the body.
Sheikh Musa said the burial is set for tomorrow (Tuesday) at her Kogelo village home in Siaya County.
"Islamic traditions require that the body is interred immediately after the confirmation of death, but for this case the family of Mama Sarah have requested for more time so that those who reside within Nairobi and other far flanks can travel home to attend the burial," he said.
He noted that strict Covid-19 protocols will be observed during the burial.
By the time of publishing this article, the daily was making final arrangements to transfer the body to herKogelo home.
