happens when people are treated differently under the law. >> reporter: drawing applause from kenyans at a joint news conference the topic was dubbed a non-issue. >> there are some things that we must admit we don't share. our culture, our societies don't accept. >> reporter: it was a noticeable moment of tension during what was supposed to be a homecoming of sorts for mr. obama. his return to his father's native country to mark the first visit to kenya by a sitting u.s. president. kenyans celebrated in the streets as the president met with relatives he hasn't seen in years. >> this is personal for me. there's a reason why my name is barack husain obama. >> reporter: while this is a personal journey for president obama, he says it is much more than a chance to get in touch with his roots. he is calling for the world to look past the stereotypes in this continent and start investing in africa's future.