CHARLES NDOMO ORIEDO

(1948- 2021)

In Tribute to …

Forma note to a father most loving, big-hearted, and tenacious, Baba, it is two months since you left us. We have not come to terms with what it means to not have you here with us. We love and miss you dearly and thank God for the blessing of sharing an amazing life with you as a father. You lived well showering us with unconditional love, non-judgement, over forgiving and teaching. You’ve now completed your earthly journey. And what a journey it has been!

A life of exemplary service; 32 years as a teacher! You were proud of this feat and your eyes lit up when you spoke of it. Your legacy lives on in the many lives you touched through this noble profession. Oh, how we will miss your humorous story telling! You captivatingly took us down memory lane into your childhood and early adult life. As we’ve come of age our knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of you has grown. Our memories of you will always be a priceless treasure. Your health failed you when you most needed to bask in the glow of your life’s achievements.

On our part, we endeavored to share some of life’s little pleasures with you. Be it what is now that last trip to Malindi! You were frail and hardly appreciated the sea that you loved so much. But you graciously accepted to take the trip. We so desperately wanted you to escape Nairobi’s Chill. Or showing you Ghana in between doctors’ consults. You were struck by its similarities to our village. And you embraced some of its culinary delights.

We will miss taking you on those short evening drives in the neighborhood in Nairobi and Accra. And pizza night with us on Tuesdays! You even embraced noodles and watching Master Chef and Come dine with me, with us.

You did not treat daughters as lesser children. In fact, you had your way of affirming us and were so proud of nyi koguta as you endearingly referred to us. You Instilled in us a deep sense of pride, fearlessness, empathy, fairness, and justice. These are but a few of the countless, priceless gifts you have bequeathed us. We feel so lucky and blessed to be your daughters and trust that the apple does not fall too far from the tree. Unbowed, ee proudly bear your name.

Wuo Manga, you have undoubtedly blazed a trail in your lifetime. Keep smiling baba. You have only transitioned and not gone. You are forever in our hearts. May God almighty keep you in his light, love, and peace till we meet again in the hereafter.

Your ever loving nyi koguta (Atieno, Hilda, Juline) and your grandchildren Zenani and Ethan.