Barack Obama's aunt Hawa Magak dies in Kenya

Hawa Magak and Barack Obama

Hawa Magak and Barack Obama

Former US President Barack Obama has lost his last surviving paternal aunt, Hawa Auma Magak. She died early today of stroke.

Hawa died in her home in Kokal Kambero village, Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County. She was 79, reports The Standard newspaper.

“She was admitted at Kisii County Referral Hospital and Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital, Homa Bay, and even tried herbal medication, but she succumbed,” said her eldest son Razick Magak.

Razick described Hawa as a loving mother and dedicated businesswoman who solely provided for her family after the death of his father, David Magak, in 1993.

“My mother sold charcoal for 40 years. She started selling charcoal in Kendu Bay town before moving to Oyugis town. She was hardworking and did all to make ends meet,” said Razick.

She was the younger sister of Barack Obama Hussein Senior, the father of former US President Barack Obama.

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She was born at Kanyadhiang’ village in Karachuonyo Constituency, Homa Bay County.

Her mother, Abiba Akumu, and father Onyango Hussein Obama later relocated to Alego Kogelo village in Siaya County in the early 1940s.

When Obama Jnr was elected US president in 2008, Hawa became popular in the village and was referred affectionately as Nyar gi Obama, Obama’s sister, by locals.

Samwel Owida, a resident, described Hawa as a role model who contributed immensely to the empowerment of local small-scale businesswomen.

“She was ever jovial and social. No one could think she was a close relative of the most powerful man on earth, former President Obama. Death has deprived us of a role model,” said Owida.

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