Security has been beefed up in K'ogelo village, Siaya County ahead of a planned July 16 visit by former US President Barrack Obama.
Surveillance at his grandmother, Mama Sarah Obama's home has been stepped up at a police post that was set up at the gate in 2008 when he ran for the Presidency.
Administration Police officers screened visitors whose numbers have increased in recent days following official confirmation of the trip.
The PR firm handling the launch of Obama's sister, Dr Auma Obama's NGO known as Sauti Kuu Centre, further revealed that entry into the venue would be highly controlled due to security concerns.
The public will not be granted access to the venue as it will be an invite-only event.
[caption caption="Barrack Obama with Mama Sarah Obama in K'ogelo in 2005"]
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Obama will be accompanied by a large delegation of at least 350 people drawn from various groups including sports, media, global executives and diplomats with Oprah Winfrey and Aliko Dangote reportedly among them.
The youth resource centre he will launch in in K'ogelo has facilities such as an international standard size football pitch sponsored by the German Ministry for Development Cooperation, a basketball court sponsored by the Giants of Africa Foundation, and a volleyball/netball court. It will also contain a library, IT lab and vocational centre.
Obama's Communication Director, Kate Hill disclosed the former President would arrive on July 15, meet President Uhuru Kenyatta and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, fly to K'ogelo the following day before heading to South Africa.
He is lined up to deliver the 16th annual Nelson Mandela lecture in Johannesburg.
“Given that his own mission under the Obama Foundation is to inspire and empower people to change the world, his attendance at this event at our ancestral home, where our father was laid to rest, is of great significance to me,” noted Dr Auma Obama on the trip to Kenya.
[caption caption="Barrack Obama with Dr Auma Obama and President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015"]
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