Obama Says Kenya Visit Is Down Payment on Post-Presidential Era
People walk past a graffiti representing US President Barack Obama is seen on a wall in Nairobi on July 25, 2015. Kenyans gathered in the city centre to watch US President Barack Obama's convoy as it drove through Nairobi. Obama is on a 5 day East Africa state visit. In addition to visiting Kenya, he will also visit Ethiopia. Obama's father, Barack Obama Senior was born in Kenya in 1936. President Obama has visited Kenya in the past most recently in 2006. Obama has a large following amongst Kenyans because of his familiy lineage. AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)
Photographer: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty ImagesPresident Barack Obama offered a window into his post-presidential plans during a visit to Kenya, saying he intends to pursue philanthropic endeavors that benefit his late father’s homeland and other African nations.
In uncharacteristically personal remarks at a news conference in Nairobi on Saturday, Obama said he began his visit the night before with some measure of “begging forgiveness” in a private dinner with relatives who felt snubbed by his nine-year absence and general lack of availability. He also bristled at being put in a “beauty contest” by the media with George W. Bush and Bill Clinton over which U.S. president loves Africa the most. He even channeled Arnold Schwarzenegger when he vowed, “I’ll be back.”