Donald Trump invites Obama's half-brother to attend 3rd presidential debate: Some things about Malik Obama

Mr Malik Obama, US President Barack Obama's half-brother, in a photo taken before the US leader's re-election. PHOTO: REUTERS

A Mr Obama could be attending the United States presidential debate in Las Vegas on Thursday (Oct 20) morning Singapore time, rooting for Republican Donald Trump - not the current US president, however, but his half-brother.

Mr Trump has invited Mr Malik Obama to his debate with Democrat Hillary Clinton, Mr Malik Obama said in an interview with the New York Post.

Here are some things about Mr Malik Obama:

1. HE SHARES THE SAME FATHER WITH THE US PRESIDENT

Mr Malik Obama, 58, who was born in Kenya, is Mr Barack Obama's older half-brother. They share the same father, Mr Barack Obama Senior. Mr Malik Obama left Kenya with his father in 1959.

2. HE WAS THE BEST MAN AT BARACK OBAMA'S WEDDING

Mr Malik Obama was the best man at the US President's wedding. Mr Barack Obama has also been the best man at at least one of the Mr Malik Obama's weddings; the latter has been married at least three times.

3. HE WILL VOTE FOR DONALD TRUMP

But now, all is not rosy between the brothers. Mr Malik Obama says he will vote for Mr Trump, despite being a long-time Democrat, due to his "disappointment" in his brother's administration. He has both Kenyan and US citizenships, and is registered to vote in the state of Maryland as he used to work there as an accountant.

4. HE RAN FOR OFFICE IN KENYA

Mr Malik Obama has had political aspirations. In 2013, he ran for governor of the south-western county of Siaya in Kenya, but lost the race.

5. HE MARRIED A TEENAGER IN 2010

He made the news in 2010 when it was reported that he had married a 19-year-old Kenyan girl. She quit high school to marry him - to the fury of her mother.

Sources: New York Post, The Telegraph, CBS News

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