Heartwarming images show Barack Obama delight locals on first visit to Kenya since leaving office

Heartwarming pictures show Barack Obama delighting locals during a visit close to his ancestral home in Kenya.

The former US President travelled to Kogelo to launch a sports and training centre founded by his half-sister, Auma Obama.

Thousands of Kenyans turned up in his ancestral home in Siaya County to see Mr Obama but many could not get into the venue due to high security.

Mr Obama was spotted embracing local children during an opening ceremony of the Sauti Kuu Sports, Vocational and Training Centre.

On his first visit to Africa since leaving the White House, he praised President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga for co-operating following last year's disputed presidential election.

He hailed Kenya's progress in getting the government and opposition to work together.

Speaking in Kogelo, the rural birthplace of his father, Mr Obama said more needs to be done to face challenges such as corruption.

Obama is expected to visit Johannesburg in South Africa on Tuesday to celebrate the 100th birthday of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.

He is expected to make a speech in front of thousands of South Africans which will be his most high-profile public appearance since leaving office.

Obama will urge youths around the world to work for human rights and fairer societies, highlighting the late South African leader's example of persevering in the struggle for democracy and equal rights for all, according to his long-time aide and adviser Ben Rhodes.

"At the current moment we're in, values that we thought were well-established - the importance of human rights, respect for diversity - in many parts of the world those values are under threat," Mr Rhodes told The Associated Press.

"Mandela's life is an inspiring example of how we can overcome obstacles to promote inclusive democracy and an equitable society with tolerance of others."