Felix Oduor Aka Jalang’o could be or is one of the luckiest people right now. The Hot 96 radio presenter and comedian was lucky enough to host the most talked about event in town.The event was the opening and launch of Dr. Auma Obama’s foundation Sauti Kuu in Kogelo, Siaya county.
It was graced by the who is who in the diplomatic, private and public sector including the Former US President Barrack Obama who was the Chief guest of honour.
Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Jalang’o explained his excitement. THe further explained how his desire to emcee for Obama came about. According to Jalang’o who currently co-host the morning show with Jeff Koinange said that when he learnt that Obama was coming back Home to Kenya, he told his co-host Jeff live on air that he was going to MC at the event, revealing that his statement to Jeff was a joke
In his statement, “One morning on Hot 96, the news of Obama coming to town was all over so I told Jeff you know that when Obama comes to town I will be the MC as a joke. And I went on Youtube and told people about how I will do it.
His conversation went Viral on Youtube not knowing that he was to be contacted soon after to actually Emcee at the event. Jalas recounted his conversation with the team that was handling the event.
He further revealed that he had to undergo a rigorous interview and meetings with the Secret Service after he was selected for the lucrative job.
In addition, Jalas process of hosting Obama was so tigh that at times he was not allowed to operate his own mobile phone.
“You just don’t wake up and be the MC for Obama. It is a long process. We had at least six meeting and plus a rehearsal. My phone for the past I don’t know how many days I could not just talk to you,” Jalas said.
He further added, “I was really nervous because I did not think I could handle such a big event – you never know the kind of a crowd you are expecting.”
Jalas divulged that after introducing the former US President, he (Obama) commended the job he had done at the event.
“When he came on stage and shook my hand he told me ‘good job’ Jalas said.
Jalong’o now joins Julie Gichuru who was also given the moment of her time when she was chosen to Emcee the Global Entreprenuership Forum in 2o15 when President Obama visited Kenya for the first time as a sitting President of the United States of America.
Unlike Jalong’o who appeared to be very formal as he introduced former President Barrack Obama in Siaya, Julie Gichuru went over and beyond taking to stage with her Kenya style of welcoming guests with a ululation to welcome Obama during the opening ceremony of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).
GES was and is a House project that was introduced in 2010 aimed to drive entrepreneurship across the world.
This happened to be the first of its kind event to be held in Nairobi, Kenya and attracted more than 3,000 business gurus and leaders across the world.
In 2018, when Obama returned home was the first time since he left office as the President of the United States in 2016 following his successor Donald Trump taking over as the President.
Sauti Kuu is a foundation initiated by Dr Auma Obama, that seeks to provide an outlook for the future to children around the world,working in Kenya and Germany, with children and adolescents in an attempt to find ways and create structures that help them become self-reliant mentally, socially and financially.