Obama’s homecoming: President returns to Kenya, reunites with Father’s family

Fulfilling the hopes of millions of Kenyans, Barack Obama returned to his father's homeland Friday for the first time as US president.

President Barack Obama waves as he arrives at Kenyatta International Airport, on Friday, July 24, 2015, in Nairobi, Kenya. (Source: AP)

Obama is traveling on a two-nation African tour where he will become the the first sitting US president to visit Kenya and Ethiopia.

US President Barack Obama descends the steps of Air Force One. (Source: AP)

Kenya considers him a local son, and has long sought this visit.

President Barack Obama hugs Joan Wamaitha, 8, who presented him with flowers, as he arrived at the airport. (Source: AP)

President Obama spent the evening reuniting with his Kenyan family, including his elderly step-grandmother who made the trip to the capital of Nairobi from her rural village.

President Barack Obama hugs his half-sister, Auma Obama at the airport. (Source: AP)

Obama's link to Kenya is a father he barely knew, but whose influence can nonetheless be seen in his son's presidency. Obama has spoken candidly about growing up without his Kenyan-born father and feeling "the weight of that absence." (Source: AP)

The Kenyan leader Obama will meet with this weekend, Uhuru Kenyatta, is the son of the president his father confronted decades ago over tribal divisions and allegations of corruption.

President Barack Obama shares a laugh with Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, left, as he signs a visitors book on his arrival. (Source: AP)

Despite the intense focus on the American leader's local roots, the White House has cast the trip as one focused on the relationship between the US and Kenya, not the president and his family. Officials say Obama's agenda is heavily focused on trade and economic issues, as well as security and counterterrorism cooperation. (Source: AP)