The prodigal grandson returns
Barack Obama is popular in Africa, but has not paid the continent enough attention
WHEN Barack Obama touches down in Nairobi this weekend for the first visit to Kenya of his presidency, he will be given a noisy reception. Despite security protocols so strict that his arrival date was not officially announced until the last minute, the whole nation will celebrate.
Welcome posters the height of buildings are in place. Corporate bosses jockey with do-gooders for a spot on the rope line. Even more babies than usual are being named after Kenya’s most famous grandson. An elderly relative wants to bake him a cake, local newspapers report.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline "The prodigal grandson returns"
From the July 25th 2015 edition
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