January 31, 2009
Posted: January 31st, 2009 10:04 AM ET
 George Obama was arrested in Kenya on a charge for possession of marijuana, according to police.
George Obama was arrested in Kenya on a charge for possession of marijuana, according to police.

NAIROBI, Kenya (CNN) - George Obama, the half brother of U.S. President Barack Obama, has been arrested by Kenyan police for possession of marijuana, police said Saturday.

Inspector Augustine Mutembei, the officer in charge, said Obama was arrested for possession of cannabis, known in Kenya as Bhang, and resisting arrest. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday, Mutembei said.

He is being held at Huruma police post in the capital of Nairobi.

CNN Correspondent David McKenzie talked with George Obama at the jail where he is being held. Speaking from behind bars, Obama denied the allegations.

"They took me from my home," he said, "I don't know why they are charging me."

George Obama and the president barely know each other, though they have met before. George Obama was one of the president's few close relatives who did not go to the inauguration in Washington last week.

In his memoir, "Dreams from My Father," Barack Obama describes meeting George as a "painful affair." Barack Obama's trip to Kenya meant meeting family he had never known.

McKenzie tracked down George Obama in August 2008 and found him at a small house in Huruma, a Nairobi slum, where he lives with his mother's extended family. His birth certificate shows he is Barack Obama's half brother.

The two men share the same Kenyan father.

In the memoir, Barack Obama struggles to reconcile with his father after he left him and his mother when he was just a child.

Like his half brother, George hardly knew his father. Barack Obama Sr. died in a car accident when George was just 6 months old.

George was his father's last child and had not been aware of his half brother's fame until he rose to prominence in the Democratic primaries last year.

Unlike his grandmother in Kogela, in western Kenya, George Obama had received little attention from the media until reports about him surfaced in August 2008.

The reports sprung from an Italian Vanity Fair article saying George Obama lived in a shack and was "earning less than a dollar a day."

The reports left George Obama angry.

"I was brought up well. I live well even now," he said. "The magazines, they have exaggerated everything.

"I think I kind of like it here. There are some challenges, but maybe it is just like where you come from, there are the same challenges," Obama said.

Obama, who is in his mid-20s, said at the time that he was learning to become a mechanic and was active in youth groups in Huruma. He said he tried to help the community as much as he can.

– From CNN's David McKenzie

Filed under: Obama family


Osric   February 1st, 2009 3:50 am ET

Not worth commenting

LJinLACA   January 31st, 2009 11:54 pm ET

It really isn't news.

Real people have real relatives in real situations.

I wish George the best, and hope this isn't politically motivated on the Kenyan's part...

DP   January 31st, 2009 7:33 pm ET

Dear CNN,
Please stick to just reporting on the news. Leave the gossip to US magazine and Entertainment Tonight!

Wayne D. PA   January 31st, 2009 5:36 pm ET

I guess they want Pres. Obama to bail his brother out.

DP   January 31st, 2009 3:26 pm ET

But the majority of you had no problem bashing palin for the son in law's mother.

DIGUSTED X2   January 31st, 2009 3:07 pm ET

THIS IS NEWS BECAUSE IT'S EXACTLY WHAT EVERYONE WAS WAITING FOR . OBAMA IS A MUSLUM, DRUG LORD, BABIES DADDY FROM THE WELFARE LINE, HATER, RACIEST BUT BEST OF ALL THE ANTICHRIST. WOW, I HAVE HEARD IT ALL!!!
ACCORDING TO THE INCAS, MIIA, NOSTORAMAS, AND EVERYOTHER GODLY THING, BEING, OBAMA IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF ALL TO COME. YES FOLKS, HE IS THE ANTICHRIST, GIVE OR TAKE A FEW MONTHS FROM NOW, THE SEALS WILL BE BROKEN AND THE FOUR HORSEMAN WILL BE RELEASED.

I AM SO PROUD I VOLUNTEERED FOR THE ANTICHRIST AND IF THAT MEANS I'M GOING TO HELL FOR FEELING SO GREAT IN MY HEART ABOUT SOMEONE WHO PROMISED ME HE WAS GOING TO CHANGE MY GREAT NATION TO BE FRUITFULL AGAIN,

BRING ON THE MATCHES

mjm   January 31st, 2009 3:03 pm ET

Send in the Marines?

No?

lolo   January 31st, 2009 3:03 pm ET

why obama NOT help him..well he just like giving welfare only for political reason as long not come from his pocket

rich   January 31st, 2009 3:01 pm ET

Would CNN had reported this if President Obama was not who he is? Such opputunistic behavior on CNN part. I'ts so apparent.

Fughdehdaboudit   January 31st, 2009 3:01 pm ET

This is barely worth mentioning on the Political Ticker. There are other stories that are more relevant.

Max   January 31st, 2009 3:00 pm ET

Roger Clinton and Billy Carter all over again.

Bob   January 31st, 2009 2:59 pm ET

With his criminal record he is now qualified to a member of BHO's staff.

Sean from New Jersey   January 31st, 2009 2:59 pm ET

but when it was Sarah Palin's daughter's fiance's mother being arrested on drug charges it was a huge issue....it's that liberal media

Jan NY   January 31st, 2009 2:57 pm ET

Jan NY January 31st, 2009 11:08 am ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation** CNN PLZ POST**
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George Obama, the half brother of U.S. President Barack Obama, has been arrested by Kenyan police for possession of marijuana, police said Saturday……..George said they barely know each other….Wonder if George was not President Obama half Brother would this be news
Oh I forgot about The Bush Twins and the Drinking Problem !!!!!!

chris   January 31st, 2009 2:57 pm ET

Not nearly as bad as coke. Could you imagine how Obama's life would be had he got caught when he was younger? Wouldn't had gone to Harvard with a criminal record. Life isn't fair.

Chike   January 31st, 2009 2:54 pm ET

For those of you new to African police tactics... To be caught with marajuana and charged with resisting arrest is traditional police extortion method. Now George's half-brother Barrack is famous Kenyan police figure they could easily extort money from him. African police men walk around with raps of Marajuana and handguns sorely for the purpose of framing innocent people and extorting money from them. This guy was never a traget until his half-brother became the president.

Whatever...   January 31st, 2009 2:53 pm ET

This is gutter journalism. President Obama barely knew his father and definitely didn't know this half brother that is twenty five years younger than him. Why is this posted TWICE on cnn.com? Man, you guys do anything for ratings.

steve   January 31st, 2009 2:50 pm ET

This picture was taken after he smoked the joint. Look at his eyes...

hazel   January 31st, 2009 2:49 pm ET

If this is relevent why is a story of his other step-brother who i believe is ia musician and is in China at the moment giving charity concerts.

chris   January 31st, 2009 2:47 pm ET

Apperently drug problems run in the family, Barack and his crack smoking and his brother with a little weed.

Mike Dallas   January 31st, 2009 2:45 pm ET

We know Levi's mom doesdrugs(crystal meth), now we know that Obama's half-brother smokes pot.

I would hazard a guess that 75% of us baby boomers would fall under one or both of these "news" ticker headings at one point in our lives as well.

Must have been a slow news day then and now.

Dawn   January 31st, 2009 2:44 pm ET

This is not relative about his half bro, that he only met twice. I know we have bad seeds in our families. You know that is on the Country of Africa(Psst, I know it is not a Country) Kenya is another hot spot for terrorist, lets put it this way, can you tell me how many Countries in Africa is being ruled by somesort of Dictator?

John, FL   January 31st, 2009 2:41 pm ET

I heard some guy got caught shop lifting in Oklahoma last week. Where's the Ticker post on that?

Benson   January 31st, 2009 2:40 pm ET

As a Kenyan living in America, I am not defending George or Obama for that Matter but,

Obama's Dad died in 1982. So, given that George is 20+ years doesnt' hold water. If George is Obama's Brother then I expect his age to be around 30....

2009-1982=27 so go figure CNN.........I don't think this kid fits to be Obama's brother.......I call this story suspecious in my eyes....

Melissa from New Orleans   January 31st, 2009 2:37 pm ET

And I should care, why exactly?

chris ludlow   January 31st, 2009 2:37 pm ET

OH..and angie from PA. i can smell your hypycritical stench coming from miles away

Mika   January 31st, 2009 2:36 pm ET

GOP witch hunting Obama, again?

No suprise here. Our media has been controlled you can not tell truth anymore. No wonder Palin is always in the news after the election.....

Now lets see if this stuff will hurt Obama and his name, guess not!

Andrew Srinarayan   January 31st, 2009 2:34 pm ET

CNN – you disappoint readers with these type of frivolous headlines ... who is the editor who thought this is a great headline ... please show some journalistic stature ...

chris ludlow   January 31st, 2009 2:34 pm ET

so. what if it was Bush? answer honestly LIBERAL HATERS OF 2000 AND BEYOND

Ben   January 31st, 2009 2:34 pm ET

Let's see if it will stick......Ohh well, this is Kenya News, not American News...How sad!!

joe   January 31st, 2009 2:33 pm ET

They are trying to bring Obama down.......

Campaign is over and it is time to support our President, CNN!

shoegazer   January 31st, 2009 2:31 pm ET

Kind of looks like he already smoked some of the"devil-weed" he had in his possession.

richard   January 31st, 2009 2:29 pm ET

well then CNN let's start talking about sarah palin's daughter's baby daddy momma...

Eric   January 31st, 2009 2:21 pm ET

Just wondering if the folks that got their rocks off making fun of Rush Limbaugh's drug issues are going to call this 'no big deal...

Change in American   January 31st, 2009 2:20 pm ET

Who cares that sad how they going after Obama family.....Ok if he smoke marijauna half of American population smoke marijauna

German,Irish American   January 31st, 2009 2:17 pm ET

Gee, he is just like big brother Barry at that age, a drug addict. Move along sheeple, nothing to see here, just another Obama relative caught in an illegal activity. "CHANGE"

seattle   January 31st, 2009 2:15 pm ET

why is obama not helping his half brother? or not even make a comment about him.... may be because he didnt grow with him Geroge is not his real brother i guse.
obama/that one 2012!!!

aware   January 31st, 2009 2:10 pm ET

Barack and George both come from a dysfunctional family! But a white grandmother rescued BO. Obama did not do the same for his half brother.

So how do you think he will rescue the USA? Forget it! :(

Tim W   January 31st, 2009 2:08 pm ET

But why is alcohol OK?

Tom in Delaware   January 31st, 2009 2:07 pm ET

Wha'da' know?!? That's what we call cannabis in this country too.

Bhang...now you're a Liberal.

Florida Dude   January 31st, 2009 2:05 pm ET

Not sure what this has to do with Obama. He barely knows his brother and his brother has said many times that he does not want help or pity. Leave him alone and let him find his way. It seems to me that the Kenyan government or police are trying to exploit him and the US media just plays along.

eric in texas   January 31st, 2009 2:02 pm ET

Good thing it isn't Bush's half brother. Or even McCain's half brother. If it were, I could hear the amount of bashing coming from the left. In this case, they will call it "worthless journalism"

Erphan for LA   January 31st, 2009 2:01 pm ET

President Obama barely knows this man and yet George Obama is being publicized. If he does Marajuana, then shame on him and if not I hope the Kenyan Government relieves him of his charges.

Mari   January 31st, 2009 2:00 pm ET

Oh...... my goodness. WHY is this a story on CNN? This man, George Obama, is hardly part of the Obama family. He only met his brother briefly.

More drama created by the media.

Gretel   January 31st, 2009 1:52 pm ET

Why is this news??? Pray tell, how many reporters on CNN who may have relatives who have used marijuana – I'm sure the answer is NOT zero. So what will be the next headline – "Obama's cousin takes an extra teaspoon of cough medicine to help her sleep at night?" By printing this story, the news media just proved how far one needs to go to get any kind of "dirt" on our president.

Luis from Maryland   January 31st, 2009 1:51 pm ET

Who cares?

Scott L   January 31st, 2009 1:43 pm ET

You morons elected him into office, you deal with him now. America has lost all credibility on the world stage now that Iran is thumping their chests and we just sit on the sidelines. Obama is worse than Carter and Pelosi is pork barreling the heebie jeebies out of the American tax payer. Congratulations! Did you pay attention to the senate Dems that are now distancing themselves from the pork filled bill? Let's see how fast Obama throws Pelosi under the bus for this ridiculous bill that is fill with iron griddled pork.

Max   January 31st, 2009 1:41 pm ET

Is this so important??

Mike   January 31st, 2009 1:41 pm ET

At first i thought "The kenian government is holding him ransom!", but after reading on BBC that it was just one (one!) joint they found on him i think this has nothing to do with them being brothers, just a stupid thing done by a young man. Who can ever forget Bill Clintons "i did not inhale" defense. Slap him on the wrist and let him go, he's no dealer, just a user of the softest of illegal drugs.

tiff of Lithia Springs   January 31st, 2009 1:37 pm ET

Why is this on the top priority of new in this country. Barack barely even knows this guy. They just happen to share a half set of genes not even a complete set.

I would be concerned if this was the sister who was raised in the same household that her was raised in.

cnnnewser   January 31st, 2009 1:33 pm ET

WHO CARES!!!

MK   January 31st, 2009 1:33 pm ET

Siblings and close relatives of current Presidents always have a hard time. Anyone remember "billy beer" or Roger Clinton? How about Neil Bush and his ex-wifes tell all family book or W's neice (Jeb's daughter) and her arrest for xanex prescription forgery? Swings both ways. Best be squeaky clean if you have a sibling, aunt, uncle, running for office or else we'll find you and make a mockery of all your problems. It's the American way folks.

Peter (CA)   January 31st, 2009 1:31 pm ET

Oh, what will the right wing folly be today:
1) All of Obama's family and friends are criminals?
2)Obama forgets his family?
3)Obama will probably try to pardon him?
Given the vapid nature of the comments regarding a Super Bowl party, ANYTHING is possible.

david   January 31st, 2009 1:25 pm ET

c'mon now, what happens in kenya should stay in kenya.

Sharon   January 31st, 2009 1:23 pm ET

President Obama is not his brother keeper. Bush & Carter had family member involed with the law. This news have no reflexation on Barack Obama

Bridgette-PA   January 31st, 2009 1:18 pm ET

OK, CNN, this isn't news. Do you plan to "tickerize" every EXTENDED family member of our new president for everything they are involved in (good and bad) for the next 8 years??? If so, if will be the longest 8 years of my life!

Joe the Troll   January 31st, 2009 1:17 pm ET

This bust wouldn't be news-worthy if it weren't oh-so-tenuously related to Obama. I expect that Republicans, being the fair-minded people that they are, won't make a any more of this than they did Bush's niece or Palin's future son-in-law's mom.

Cory, MD   January 31st, 2009 1:16 pm ET

who cares?

janet, ohio   January 31st, 2009 1:10 pm ET

Okay,

I wonder if all the libs who made fun of Palin because her daughter's fiance's mother was arrested for possession, (and called her trailor-trash, and said they should all go on Springer, etc,) will now say anything negative about Barack when his own blood brother is arrested.

And BTW, as an ultra-conservative right-wing Republican, I'm actually intelligent enough to realize that George Obama's behavior says nothing whatsoever in regards to the character of Barack Obama.

dennis lee hoffman, citizen of the world   January 31st, 2009 1:02 pm ET

I see Kenya has the same unnecessesary law we do

JAE   January 31st, 2009 1:02 pm ET

Typical. The blacks NEVER do anything wrong, they ALWAYS blame others or "circumstances" on everyone or everything else. Where there's smoke, there's fire dude. Now that his mug has been splashed all over the world and, he's Barack's half brother, a BIG deal will be made of this, that he's "just got to be" innocent. B.S.!

Just watch, now George Obama will get a big bail out. Doesn't seem to me, these guys had a stable Dad or Mom. Different Mom's for each kid, geez, nothing like screwing whoever, huh?

Barack, if I were you, and thank goodness, I'm not, I would NOT acknowledge the jungle boy over in Kenya. As the story says, you hardly know him and the visit was painful anyway.

One other thing about George Obama, WHO CARES???

Lois   January 31st, 2009 12:56 pm ET

WOW, what an earth shattering news item!

Proud American   January 31st, 2009 12:53 pm ET

Give me a break the entire republican party are drug addicts and perverted. Cindy, Rush or and let's not forget the Jeb's daugther. There no story here move on. cannabis? what a joke

Dumas McGee   January 31st, 2009 12:51 pm ET

well we were all waiting for a Billy Carter or Neil Bush in this administration

AndreinFL   January 31st, 2009 12:48 pm ET

I guess people get arrested in Kenya for this offense often. He has to watch what he do now, because it will be twisted and used against his half-brother as propaganda

LF Oneto - VA   January 31st, 2009 12:45 pm ET

I guess it´s President Obama´s fault. Who gives a sh.it what his half brother does or does not do in KENYA? Oh, I know: it will feed the hatred of those republicans who are looking for just about anything to tarnish the President´s image. What a sad state of affairs for the media.

Pinckney   January 31st, 2009 12:44 pm ET

Ummm...I wonder if this will get the outrage from liberals that the Palin family got...I don't think so!

Joyce   January 31st, 2009 12:37 pm ET

The only reason I care about this story at all is because any government filling its jails with young people because of a stupid marijuana joint is retarded. This nasty tasting/smelling stuff is as much of a powerful, "killer" drug as a couple of beers. Any government with a lick of sense would legalize it, tax it and limit it's use to 18 year-olds and older.

It would remove the forbidden fruit factor and stop making criminals out of otherwise law-abiding citizens.

Since I'm old I doubt that I will live to see the day when governments will begin to actually think.

NEL E BELL   January 31st, 2009 12:36 pm ET

HEY BUBBA GOT A JOINT, A DOOBIE, MAYBE A BLUNT. DON'T YOU GET IT OBAMA DON'T WANT TO KNOW YA HE'S A BIG SHOT NOW. HE HASN'T EVEN CONTACTED HIS DISTANT ILLEAGAL AUNTIE IN BALTIMORE GET IT........

Xavier   January 31st, 2009 12:30 pm ET

Bush – alcoholic till age 40.

Rush – Pill popping illegal pain killer junkie.

Oreilly – Phone sex cravings. He paid a hefty sum for his kinky habits.

Before you start getting all moralistic about Obama's brothers problems, take a good hard look at your own republican icons. Lets not forget the republican who got caught on audio soliciting sex at an airport restroom stall. Is he still in office? He is! Shame on you morally correct republicans.

WIlly Brown   January 31st, 2009 12:29 pm ET

Maybe George will go live with #44.

Sorensen   January 31st, 2009 12:23 pm ET

And so what?
Leave it to People Magazine.

(Former) Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN   January 31st, 2009 12:22 pm ET

Why is this news important or relevant?!

JF   January 31st, 2009 12:20 pm ET

So now we're travelling half way 'round the world to dig-up dirt somehow connected (however remotely) to Barack Obama? Funny how this ridiculous brand of scrutiny never seemed to occur when REPUGS were in charge of things. Curious!

Texas Teacher   January 31st, 2009 12:20 pm ET

Sadly, this young man may become a target simply because he is the half brother of President Obama. I can understand how the one wants to go on with his life, which he is satisfied with having not gone elsewhere. He most likely feels that he has a duty to do in his own world. And the other has a job to do that may well change the whole world. That does not mean that one is the keeper of the other. And any relationship in distant families is no ones business, but those involved. I simply hope that the world will allow both to live out their lives as they see fit.... not as the world would like!

Matthew   January 31st, 2009 12:18 pm ET

Guess drug usage runs in the family...

mary   January 31st, 2009 12:15 pm ET

What has this got to do with anything... are we going to print everyone who gets arrested on drug charges regardless of who they are throughout the world.......President Obama has no more to do with this situation than I do...

mb   January 31st, 2009 12:13 pm ET

The media should stop meddling in people's personal lifes. Wonder how many of them have relatives in jail.?

Heath1   January 31st, 2009 12:09 pm ET

There nothing to say, That a grown man.

Eleanor   January 31st, 2009 12:08 pm ET

this move is to simply cast bad light on President Obama.!!!
If every person who smoked pot or had pot in their possesion were
picked up and thrown in jail there would be NO more prison space period hehe!!!! Oh and by the way I am an older lady who has never smoked it in her life but quite aware that one of my children did at one time and also aware that many still do smoke and possess it in every country around the globe!!

Maggie SC   January 31st, 2009 12:07 pm ET

It apears that when faced with the decision to be influenced by a dysfunctional fahter that Obama's mother choose the best way to raise her child. Obma's half brother did not fare so well. Instead of President Obama's mtoerh choosing to have an abortion because she was a single parent and would hve diffulty rainsisn a child she opted to choose life. Of course she may have had to face that decision but she could have been a statistic. she fit the category of woment choosing the easy way out. But then it is a matter of choice by the parent, choose life or death of fetus. What may the women choosing abortiohn have had should they had chosen life. Obama's mother choose life and gave birth to the first black Americna president, making history. Listen carefull expectant mothers before choosing abortion,. Do you want to take that chance. Today the tax payers take care of paying, pay abortion or pay by medicaid for children whose parents cannot afford them. The ultimate fact is either way the government pays especially not that the ban is being lifetd by Pre Obmama. We are killing of our future armies who will protect our freedon in 18- 20 years? Cannot undo the damage done.

Anonymous   January 31st, 2009 12:07 pm ET

who cares!!!! is this even news????

libs be dopes   January 31st, 2009 12:06 pm ET

Maybe Nobamo can bring him here and hire him as our new drug czar.

He has experience!

fearful for my country   January 31st, 2009 12:06 pm ET

Poor guy. His brother smokes crack and becomes president of a nation. This guy will probably rot in prison unless Obama intervenes.

Reuben   January 31st, 2009 12:04 pm ET

Why is this on the political ticker? I mean aside from the fact that he's Obama's half brother what does this really have to do with American politics?

Bra Rick   January 31st, 2009 12:02 pm ET

Are we runnuing out of newsworthy stories linked with the name Obama?

How many americans do have marijuana in their homes, their cars, at the office etc...? Heck, some states are even having a run at legalizing it.

Leave the poor guy alone. He doesn't even know why he was arrested.

southerncousin   January 31st, 2009 12:00 pm ET

Let us see if this story gets as many crazy hate filled response from the whacko libs as the story about Palin's granson's name did. As I recall it was about 250.

DNC   January 31st, 2009 11:58 am ET

"Everybody wants to get stoned"

jackquilne   January 31st, 2009 11:57 am ET

I am Kenyan and this story is a lie....

Obama's dad died in 1982. Obama has 1 sister and two brothers in kenya of who are all well educated......

His sister is a Lecturer in Nairobi University.

His brother works with Central Bank Of kenya

The younger brother is an actuarist with an insurance company......

wow, where did the media get this story from?

David of West Virginiia   January 31st, 2009 11:55 am ET

Watch the Limbaughs of the Right Wing Republican Party have a field day with this one. The druggie, himself, will play holier than thou with this one.

flyer   January 31st, 2009 11:53 am ET

Sorta looks like using drugs runs in the family.

It runs in the family.....   January 31st, 2009 11:52 am ET

A bigger problem than the 1/2 brother selling drugs is the illegal immigrant aunt who has lived off taxpayer money in Public housing even though she was deported 4 years ago.

Now someone is hiding her illegally in the U.S. when she should be on the next boat to Kenya

As a "legal" immigrant, I am outraged at this.

Coherent1   January 31st, 2009 11:52 am ET

So what does this mean? Impeachment? LOL! You've got to try a little harder than this. Try attaching President Obama to his own faults, please?

Dan, TX   January 31st, 2009 11:51 am ET

Are we looking at a future President of Kenya?

No Bull   January 31st, 2009 11:48 am ET

How is this relevant to American Politics?

Barack Obama has ZERO dealings with this stepbrother halfway around the world.

HB In LA   January 31st, 2009 11:43 am ET

Why is this making news? This has nothing to do with our President... The news media is out of control...

James   January 31st, 2009 11:43 am ET

Why don’t you cover issues that will make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans and millions of people around the world? There is no scarcity of troubling issues to cover, take for example my issues. Why don’t you cover my story – my beef wit the medical insurance industry? Recently, a doctor prescribed a medication to me – The prescription paper wrote 5 refills and 4 pills per refill. Each time I go to the pharmacy, I pay an average of 25 dollars per fill, as my co-payment. At the end, I paid a total of 125 dollars for 20 pills. Logically the doctor could have prescribed 20 pills in one fill, which would cost about 25 dollars out my pocket – as a co-payment.
This is a troublesome because I am paying over 2,000 dollars a year for medical insurance.
My question to you – Is the doctor getting kickback from the insurance company?
What if I did not have medical insurance – How much would I pay for these 20 pills? What can we tell 20 millions plus of uninsured Americans? Here is a real story – contact me if you’d like to cover this story – drama.real@yahoo.com

Mike O'Brien   January 31st, 2009 11:42 am ET

Hard to comment on.. His half brother did it when he was young. I did it when I was young. He has been under some 'unusual' stress lately with his half brothers election and the media bugging him everyday. However, we 'all' make mistakes and there is 'no excuse' for this one. George.., we wish you the best. Don't know the laws in Kenya. Hope everything goes well. Mike in Montana

Amy   January 31st, 2009 11:39 am ET

Really CNN, do you really have to report news about every distant relative of someone to cause controversy. Is there not enough real news to report. I am tired of seeing all these stories whose only intention is to create ire and political discourse. How about writing something useful!

magella   January 31st, 2009 11:39 am ET

This story does NOT belong on the political ticker.

Sue   January 31st, 2009 11:34 am ET

Someone else needing their 15 minutes of fame...obviously jealous of the attention his brother has received.

mayah   January 31st, 2009 11:33 am ET

maybe you can report on all the other thousands of people that have been busted also, so what he is the presidents half brother, who cares..

Kenya   January 31st, 2009 11:32 am ET

Barack Obama should understand the african politics. The big mistake he did is to say that he is not happy with the win of President Kibaka of Kenya. What do you expect? That is Africa my friend. He should call him and apologize or be ready to see his family members suffer.

tws1906   January 31st, 2009 11:30 am ET

So what...

82nd Airborne Division   January 31st, 2009 11:28 am ET

George OBAMA was arrested for smoking cannabis, oh my God the world is coming too an end! Why is this news? George pay the fine
and remember that your half brother is now the President of the most
powerful Nation in the world so expect your every move too be watched.

I guess them Obama boys like the to smoke the Herb.LOL

Peace People each one teach one!

gbrown2   January 31st, 2009 11:24 am ET

And this is newsworthy because? Who cares about a half brother who lives in another country!!!!!! Give us a break with this crap!!!!

Nick   January 31st, 2009 11:20 am ET

Ahhhhh.....I can smell it CNN, the desperation of getting the latest news, trying to stay ahead of your competition. Having worked in local media for years, I know what that's like. But I also know the difference BETWEEN ACTUAL NEWS AND GARBAGE! This is ridiculous – who gives a rip? How does this have an impact at all on Americans' lives? Because of national media outlets like you, my job is harder, because people believe I'm out to attack them on bogus leads. Pathetic....

Jim   January 31st, 2009 11:18 am ET

Look out. LOL, likes to puff the joint once in a while, who doesnt. No story here, not exactly "drugs" in todays world. Be more worried about that hickish meth making its way around the US, or all the drinking and driving our kids love to do, which is the real "gateway" if ive ever seen one. Weed is such a distraction. Nice pic too to top off the story =)

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 31st, 2009 11:17 am ET

Only one person out of millions of Kenyans caught and arrested for marijuana possession and it happens to be George Obama is remarkable.

Colin the Salesman   January 31st, 2009 11:14 am ET

In all honesty, is this anymore relevant to our current situation than Bristol Palin's mother-in-law getting busted? I want to state from the outset that while I am center/left in my politics, and I'm tired of tabloid journalism designed to divide and titlate, rather than inform our citizenry. I don't see how this is news-worthy in the least, except to appease the conservatives who violate orders and read CNN. Please use some real editorial discretion, and cover stories that actually impact our lives.

philip   January 31st, 2009 11:14 am ET

Sooooooo, the guys is half a world away, only met the President once, is not even a US citizen and this is news? Maybe this is what the far right has been looking for – maybe we need a special prosecutor and an impeachment hearing in the House. Who cares about some third world nobodybeing arrested for pot?

Vincent Petrosino   January 31st, 2009 11:08 am ET

This proves that President Obama comes from family with many problematic members just like other presidents. Remember Billy Carter? Remember Roger Clinton and Neil Bush? But in this case, President Obama does not even know this half-brother living continents away. How fortunate for us he was raised by a loving mother and two very loving grandparents in the United States of America.

Ernie in LA   January 31st, 2009 11:08 am ET

No problem, just move him into the White House with the rest of the family.

Jan NY   January 31st, 2009 11:08 am ET

George Obama, the half brother of U.S. President Barack Obama, has been arrested by Kenyan police for possession of marijuana, police said Saturday........George said they barely know each other....Wonder if George was not President Obama half Brother would this be news
Oh I forgot about The Bush Twins and the Drinking Problem !!!!!!

teacher   January 31st, 2009 11:07 am ET

I suppose Rush Limbaugh will say this is a direct result of the country's stupidity in electing Barack Obama. I wonder if George Obama will come up with Georgie Weed to mimic Billy Beer.

williefloyd   January 31st, 2009 11:06 am ET

Not sure I see the importance of this to our citizens. Carter had his brother, Bush had his drinking twins, Clinton had his brother-what does that have to do with the sitting president??

God Bless the U.S.A   January 31st, 2009 11:05 am ET

who knows, he could have been set-up.

Puff   January 31st, 2009 11:00 am ET

So ur try to use this to distroy the President Obama's name???CNN u better then this anyway I m ready to vote for him in 2012. I will be at line before everybody.CAO!!!

Gary   January 31st, 2009 10:58 am ET

You can file this in the same garbage can as the stories of the illegal aunt.
At least he's no Billy Carter.

Scott   January 31st, 2009 10:58 am ET

Well going by the qualifications of Obama's cabinet members, Geroge Obama should be highly quailfied to be the head of D.E.A.

Griff   January 31st, 2009 10:57 am ET

Attention! There are so many more like him... They all need help!
Wapi?

Larry   January 31st, 2009 10:53 am ET

He ain't heavy,he's your brother-Barack you need to go spend some quality time with your brother,he needs you,he has a drug problem.Stay with him ,he's your "blood"and a big part of your roots.He said he tried to help the community as much as he can,Barack with your neighborhood experience you could do a lot of good.

bea   January 31st, 2009 10:52 am ET

with the corruption in Kenya ,there has to be more to this story......i am Kenyan and I know....

catmom   January 31st, 2009 10:51 am ET

CNN, rather than paying a reporter to report on this, could you send me the money you will pay for this story. This is ridiculous listening to the story on your broadcast that has absolutely nothing to do with the President but is being reported as if it 1) Is a close brother 2)happened in this country 3)is some how relevant to anything.

Claire White   January 31st, 2009 10:50 am ET

. . . and Peter Obama got a traffic ticket; and Donald Obama jay-walked; and Mary Obama owes taxes; and Peter Obama is a deadbeat dad. Is this news?

Come on!   January 31st, 2009 10:48 am ET

Come on....who cares? Pot should be legal, anyway. No one beats their wife when they're high. No one fights and commits suicide while smoking marijuana. Alochol is legal and pot isn't? Dumb.

John   January 31st, 2009 10:46 am ET

This is the most irresponsible reporting ever. What does this have to do with anything? Certainly nothing to do President Obama or the welfare or security of US of A.

Rosa   January 31st, 2009 10:45 am ET

Don't you have anything else to do but go into a story to disgrace the Obama family?
Out of all the real stories in our country you waist your energy in finding out of someone related to the president who is using drugs?
What a mediocre approach!
Go and find yourself real stories in the streets OF USA and learn how to be a real reporter.
Rosa O Orta

Sue   January 31st, 2009 10:44 am ET

I guess if Plain's children are under scrutiny, then Obama's half-brother whom he met once, will be as well. After all, there are no positive stories out there on the economy, so let's pretend we care about a man in Africa who is perfectly happy and chose his own lot, just so someone can berate Barack about something.

catmom   January 31st, 2009 10:43 am ET

And this is being reported why? Will the media report on anyone named Obama especially if it's negative? I'm sure Obama doesn't even know this person, half brother or not. It is completely irrelevant. Get a grip, PLEASE.

Bhang oh   January 31st, 2009 10:42 am ET

So?Lets worry about real criminals like Henry Paulson,who just made off with billions of tax payers money and is probably sitting on a beach some where laughing his bleep off about how he pulled off the greatest robbery in human history.

Poor George   January 31st, 2009 10:37 am ET

I guess he won't be coming to the obama super bowl party at the White House.

so?   January 31st, 2009 10:37 am ET

This is about as relevant as Sarah Palin's daughter's fiance's mother being arrested on drug charges.

Jeff from Jersey   January 31st, 2009 10:33 am ET

I guess the budget will now have to include foriegn aid for rehabs in Kenya.Maybe George can write a book and get elected president of Kenya.

Angie in Pa   January 31st, 2009 10:31 am ET

Alright all you Haters lets start Blaming President Obama for this and 123!! Lets hear it

Senora Zamudio   January 31st, 2009 10:18 am ET

Oh c'mon! Why is this in the "Political Ticker?" This is nothing but gossip...CNN I think there are more meaningful stories to report on. And how is the relative to what's happening up on Capitol hill, or at the Whitehouse?

Terry   January 31st, 2009 10:12 am ET

Who cares!!!!

Disgusted   January 31st, 2009 10:12 am ET

I guess this is news because???

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