A Maasai moran who shot to fame in 2015 after expressing interest to marry the daughter of former US President Barack Obama, Malia Obama, has renewed his quest by paying tribute to her on Saturday in celebration of her 25th birthday.
Jeff ole Kishau, who hails from Suswa in Narok County is still optimistic that he will marry Malia someday. The moran sponsored a full-night party graced by top Maasai musicians with songs and dance.
Kishau had offered 500 cows bride price to the Obama family seven years ago if he was allowed to marry Malia, whom he has never met.
“Malia is now 25 years old, I’m still offering myself as a potential suitor because she is very beautiful. I’m not able to sleep at night. I love her very much. I do not know good English but I know I love her, and that is why I am celebrating her birthday despite not being aware,” said Kishau.
Top musicians from the Maa community like Ole Shimpi, Papua Masai, King Laiso, and Diplomatic Maasai among others graced the event.
Other artists in the event that attracted hundreds of revellers include Mc Ntangenoi- Lengeny, Ngotiek Nelson, Lj Maasai, Mc Siloh, Paapa Maasai, Osotua ole Kararei, Triple M Moses Masiyioi and MC Naitobir.
Kishau, 32, a gospel musician and event organizer, says he has been looking for Malia on social media in vain and has decided to engage his father directly through the media. He says he will be flying to the US in August to meet the family, in what he says is his last push for meeting Malia.
In July 2015, Kishau made an attempt to meet Obama when he visited Kenya to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage but was blocked by his Maasai elder’s entourage in the city.
He was the second Kenyan suitor seeking Malia’s hand in marriage after a Kenyan lawyer Felix Kiprono, who had also offered 50 cows as a bride price.
Kishau had gone a step further to approach Maasai elders among them former Cabinet Minister the late William Ole Ntimama, former Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and the late Interior Minister Joseph Nkaiserry asking them to accompany him to meet Obama and help in dowry negotiations for Malia.
Malia was born on July 4, 1998. She and her younger sister, Sasha, were just 10 and seven years old when the Obamas moved into the White House. Malia graduated from Harvard University in 2021 and joined the writer’s room for the Donald Glover Amazon series.
