Former US President Barack Obama joined leaders across the world in marking Mother’s Day with a heartfelt family tribute that quickly warmed social media timelines globally.
Obama shared an intimate throwback photograph showing him affectionately kissing his wife, Michelle Obama, as their daughters Malia and Sasha cuddled close beside them. Though the undated image appeared to have been taken years earlier when the Obama daughters were much younger, the family portrait perfectly captured the warmth, love and unity associated with the global celebration of motherhood.
The touching post drew admiration from millions online, with many praising the former First Family for consistently portraying strong family values and celebrating women at the heart of the home.
Back in Kenya, Dr. William Oduol also used the occasion to honour mothers and maternal figures for their role in shaping society.
“Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers and mother figures — your care shapes homes, nurtures dreams, and builds generations,” said Oduol in his message.
The Siaya Deputy Governor, whose bid to succeed Governor James Orengo is increasingly gaining grassroots attention ahead of the next gubernatorial race, remains among the early favourites in the county’s political landscape despite signs that his campaign momentum has lately slowed.
Meanwhile, Scholastica Masidis Madowo marked the day by spotlighting economic empowerment programmes targeting women in fishing communities around Lake Victoria.
The South East Alego MCA, widely recognized for championing women’s rights and social empowerment initiatives, is working on a unique fish cage farming project to help eradicate the exploitative “jaboya” culture that has historically forced vulnerable female fish traders into transactional sexual relationships with fishermen in order to access fish.
“One cage produces a harvest of up to 35,000 fish, enabling women fish farmers working in groups to transact business in a dignified manner without getting involved in sexual transactions,” said Madowo while extending Mother’s Day wishes to women around the world.
Her remarks highlighted the growing push by women leaders in western Kenya to tackle poverty, gender exploitation and economic inequality through sustainable community-based initiatives.
As Mother’s Day celebrations unfolded across continents, the messages from Obama, Oduol and Madowo reflected a shared theme — honouring the resilience, sacrifice and transformative role of mothers both in families and in society at large.
