Obama’s Kenyan grandmother plans to attend her grandson’s inauguration in January

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's 86-year-old grandmother, Sarah Obama, said she will attend her grandson's presidential inauguration ceremony in Washington early next year.

Speaking to journalists after the Democratic presidential candidate won the historic elections, Sarah said she will take Obama's favorite food, chapatti, a traditional Kenyan pastry, with her when she goes to the ceremony.

"We are so happy and Kenya is also celebrating, we are going to feat. This is absolute joy," Sarah said, according to the Daily Nation newspaper on Thursday.

Sarah is one of the wives of Obama's grandfather, instead of the natural mother of Obama's father. But Obama treats her just like his natural grandmother.

Sarah is "very happy about what has happened, and she's happy not just for herself but for the whole world," said Obama's Kenyan half-sister, Auma, who served as interpreter and the family's spokesperson.

"As a family, we support Barack but we have no expectations. Because we are very, very clear that this is something he is doing in America and that he is an American president," said Auma.

Sarah has been the Kenyan face of the Obama family since he became Illinois Senator. She has dined with the high and mighty but maintained her humility and hospitality that has made her the darling of the locals, tourists and journalists.