We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our family and friends for the kindness, love and support that we have received, and continue to receive, following his death in Florida, USA. Words are not adequate to express our thanks, but know that your unyielding and unquestioning love and support has been our rock and our solace during this challenging time – we truly have been borne on the backs of Angels.
Koko was cremated and a Memorial Mass held for him at St. Mark Church in Virginia, USA on 21 September 2013. In addition to is friends and extended family, Koko is survived by his parents (Stephen Kinoti and Consolata Kanyua), his brothers (Duncan Mwenda and Humphrey Gitonga), his sisters-in-law (Loice Gurupira and Inosi Nyatta) and his nieces and nephew (Makena, Ruva and Kinoti).
Koko, you have taken your warmth, love, strength and humor to a better place and we are grateful to God for the gift of your brief but wonderful life. We love you, we miss you and we will never forget you.
“When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, you must not tie yourself to me in tears.”
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Nelson Koko Kiara Memorial Education Foundation
A number of Koko’s friends and extended family have inquired as to whether a memorial will be set up in Koko’s memory and the Kiara Family is pleased to announce the formation of the Nelson Koko Kiara Memorial Education Foundation (the “Foundation”).
The Foundation’s objective will be to fund the education of disadvantaged and vulnerable children in Kenya through the awarding of scholarships. The Foundation will honor one of Koko’s most endearing traits – working selflessly to help people facing challenges and difficult circumstances – and continue the sponsorship of deserving and disadvantaged children that he had started during his life.
We are applying for 501(c)(3) charitable status for the Foundation in the United States so that contributions are tax deductible for those subject to US taxes – we will provide you with details as soon as these are available.
In the meantime, contributions to the Foundation can be sent in the name “N K Kiara Memorial Education Foundation” to Account Number 483046835267 at Bank of America, 260 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007 (ABA No. 021000322).
Checks/cheques in US Dollars, in the name “N K Kiara Memorial Education Foundation”, can also be sent by via post to (1) D. M. Kiara, 10094 Cover Pl, Fairfax VA 22030 USA or (2) H.G. Kiara, 53 Paddington Rd, Scarsdale NY 10583 USA.
Thank you for your time, support and for any contribution you may wish to make.
Tributes
Leave a tributeHappy birthday today Nelson
9/11/22
Koko you brought much joy and optimism to us over the decades, despite having just a few precious years working together. The world needs more of those like you, we are less without your positive energy.
Thinking of you and our shared friends.
Cheers my friend. Fly free. Send us some messages as you pass us by.
Kevin and Lucia
Miss you always my friend.
I hope you’re partying wherever you are.
Much love
Whenever I used to tell Gitch that he was one of the most extroverted people I had met, he would say wait till you meet my brothers, especially the youngest, Koko. He would say that compared to them I am actually shy. He was right!
I was lucky I got to meet you in Reading. I recall you being a centripetal force, as also evident from the photographs on your memorial page. 25 years on I have not forgotten the larger than life, Mr. Nelson “Koko” Kiara and never will.
I found out as late as 2016 that you had left us. Since then I have been trying to get a hold of Gitch and Inosi. Yesterday, I found your memorial page in yet another attempt to look for my friends. You came across as someone who brought people together. I hope that through you I can reunite with Gitch, Inosi, Kinoti and the rest of Kiara family and get a chance to talk about you.
I can’t even begin to imagine the vacuum you left in the lives of the entire Kiara family and your friends. May the flame of your memories remain ignited in our hearts and shine stronger and brighter with each passing year.
Thinking of you today on your birthday.
Gone way too soon my friend and missed dearly everyday.
Nolly
Special thoughts too for his family.
it has been 3 years since we lost a good brother but a beautiful soul is never forgotten. Miss you so much specially your laughter, your present in the group .......may God continue rest your soul.
Happy birthday my friend.
Nolly
I Love You!
I'm sure you have all the angels waving their hands in the air as they celebrate your birthday. . . .
Till we meet again. . .
Keep watching over us.
Sending positive energy and prayers to the family!
Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.
He'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.
Let memories surround you, a word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here,
And fills you with the feeling that he is always near.
For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart
And he will live forever locked safely within your heart.
Xx
We all miss you and we know you are in a better place. You had always been the one advocate that truly wanted a niece or nephew from me and Amy. Well now you have one, Isaiah. I know that you are watching over us because sometimes he will look pass me and smile. Probably some inside joke you guys already have.
Anyways, we all miss you!
Your Brother, Always,
James
May its peace abide with you
May its essence illuminate your heart
Now and forever more... may God rest you peace in haven still missing you so much Koko. you are one of a kind person I ever know ........no matter how you make us laugh ..........wont for get your MJ dance miss u so much ............
Leave a Tribute
Happy birthday today Nelson
9/11/22
Please be patient.
From Mama Inosi for his Memorial Mass
Dear family and friends,
As we gather together today to share our love and happy memories of Koko, kindly allow me to share a thought that has helped me --as one of his mums -- to find peace and strength at this time. Actually, it's more than a 'thought'. It's something deeper -- a realization, a 'knowing'. It's knowing that the love for our children that flows forth from the day they are born is BOUNDLESS and FOREVER. Nothing can ever tear away from us the beauty and joy and reciprocity of that love. For is it not true, that even now perhaps years after our own parents or grandparents have moved on, we still feel connected and warmed by their love?
Koko came into our lives when his family joined his older brother and our daughter in marriage 12 years ago. He has become our own second younger son, together both so full of life and fun and energy. We all loved each other very much, and always will. And as we say this, we trust and KNOW that this love we feel has the power to reach out in space and time, to embrace and comfort Koko where he is now.
As family and friends of our dear departed son, could we join our hands in love right now? Let's feel together the power of the love we share for Koko, and send it forth! And let this everlasting, forever and ever love fill our hearts and souls and bodies with comfort, strength and peace. "
Larger Than Life - Tribute from Ali, Migz, Mkuzi, Flo, Myra and Napaa
This is a tribute to our cherished and adored friend Koko from Ali, Migz, Mkuzi, Flo, Myra and Napaa.
Koko radiated love, happiness and warmth. For us, growing up with him made the difference between having an average teenage life and one that was filled with laughter and excitement. He was definitely the “Fresh Prince” of Kileleshwa – the part of Nairobi that we grew up in.
Koko was a paradox because despite being the life of the party, he was also the one who kept us in check. He was fun loving yet at the same time extremely level headed.
Koko had an amazing ability to relate across the board to people of all ages, creed and colour.
He made an impression on everyone he met - Who can forget that hearty laugh – the way he would throw his head back until you could see his wisdom teeth, who can forget his dance skills – when he was in Kenya in December 2012, he did a dance routine to a Michael Jackson song that brought the entire club to a standstill.
Even though we didn’t see Koko for long periods of time, every time he came back home to Kenya, we just picked up where we had left off and it was as though he had never left. We are grateful to God that we had the opportunity to have him in our lives. He has left us with such happy memories.
Koko, you were larger than life!
Don't cry for me today, I wouldn't want it this way.
Be strong and smile, for you will see me in a while.
I know you miss me, but now in Heaven I will be.
Do not keep your sad face, I am in a much better place.
Do not let your tears fall, for I cannot wipe them all.
Yes, my life wasn't long. But I'm begging you to be strong.
Live every moment as if it were your last, I won't forget any memories that have passed.
Cherish life and love as I watch you from above.
As I remember all of the good things, I come to see I have gotten my wings.
It is time to go and fly, as your guardian angel I will try.
Don't cry for me today, I'm on my way.
Soaring through the sky, I watch all of you telling me goodbye.
Source: In Memory Of A Friend Poem.