Kenyans seek cash; Obama offers advice

KOGELO, Kenya, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Kenyan relatives and philanthropic organizations seeking President Obama's financial help mostly get financial advice, extended family members say.

Requests for assistance have grown since Obama's election, the Boston Globe reported Sunday.

In Kogelo, where Obama's father was raised, as well as in other areas of Kenya, politicians are expected to provide financial help to their tribe and family.

But with no money coming in from the president, many locals are puzzled.

"There are still those who are waiting for him to send millions,'' said Nicholas Rajula, a Kogelo businessman.

Requests began when Obama was still a senator, and he suggested in 2005 that the people of Kogelo form organizations and apply for funding through the U.S. Agency for International Development and other official channels, said Rajula, a Kogelo businessman.

Kenyan villages where Obama's ancestors lived, such as Kogelo and Kobama, which means "Land of Obama," claim historical connections to the president. And they are trying to use these connections to raise money for education and amenities such as water and electricity.

Obama's U.S.-educated father helped Kobama youth pay school expenses and land jobs, said Charles Oluoch, the president's second cousin and chairman of a fund-development organization. "Now we expect the president to take over," Oluoch said.

But he acknowledged Obama must first fulfill his campaign promises. "He should feed his family first -- the (American) people," Oluoch said.