Obama’s Uncle Arrested, Facing DUI Charges, President Remains Mum

Police have confirmed that they arrested an uncle of U.S. President Barack Obama in Massachusetts last week for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

Onyango Obama, 67, entered a not guilty plea on Friday and was being held without bail on a detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way.

Police arrested Onyango Obama shortly after 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 in Framingham after a sports utility vehicle he was driving failed to make a proper stop at an intersection, and then almost collided with an unmarked vehicle that was being driven by a police officer.

Police have said Onyango Obama, who's originally from Kenya, is the half-brother of the President's late father.

The Associated Press reported that in a court document, ICE said the accused had an earlier deportation or removal order.

It is not immediately clear what Onyango Obama's immigration status is, but the Boston Herald has reported that the President's uncle does have a social security card or a Massachusetts driver's license.

Val Krishtal, the arresting officer in the case, has said Onyango Obama had red and glassy eyes, slurred speech and appeared unsteady on his feet, as reported by Channel 6 news.

Police said Onyango Obama also failed several field sobriety tests and blew a reading of 0.14 percent on a blood-alcohol breath test. That reading is above the maximum blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent when driving in Massachusetts.

It is being reported that after police booked the accused, he was asked whether he wanted to make a telephone call to arrange for bail.

I think I will call the White House, Onyango Obama stated, according to a police report filed in Framingham District Court, as reviewed by the media.

It is unknown if Onyango Obama actually made the call and who he spoke to.

The White House has offered no comment on the arrest of the President's uncle.