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. "

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.

If sit still and listen closely, I can hear your laughter. Spontaneous, sparkling, infectious! When I think of you, over the years I have known you, it was your cheeriness that most touched me. A big smile, quickly dissolving into laughter. The ease with which a “Hello” would turn into a laugh out loud moment, was so fluid. And it was always a good belly laugh that would ensue, not a giggle, not a snicker, but a cleansing from-the-soul laughter.

We’re on the steps outside your parents’ house. It’s a beautiful sunny December day. (Was it just this past December? It feels like it was just yesterday). And there you go again, teasing, joking. The inevitable laughter! Quick to come, drawing me in, a moment shared, a soul refreshed.

Of the brothers, you were the first one I heard about.  

“Who is Koome?” I ask looking quizzically at Etta, as Eugene continues describing your antics. “They’ve just moved in across the road!” she says pointing to the house on the hill. We were the children of the triangle – Mandera Road meets Gatundu. Playing football in your backyard. Where did the time go? More teasing – “…tuu, tuu, thilee, fo, silatu sya ngolova…” A phrase from a lifetime ago. But even if you didn’t get the Kikamba right, you had the intonation down pat! And I couldn’t even protest, because, there you have it, the smile and inevitable laughter would draw me in every time you said that to me.

I can see you on your beloved bike, and you really did love that bike! Up and down the road, tirelessly, incessantly. And when you weren’t riding it, you were fiddling with it, tweaking a gear, tightening a chain, tending to your toy.

Koome, now an altar server. Can’t remember too much that really stood out for me during all those Sundays Masses at Consolata, but I can remember your earnestness as you served.

Running into you at the Metro. Hadn’t even realised you’d come to the States, but such a pleasant and welcome sight you were, that cold, blistery morning. Your dazzling smile the ray of sunshine I needed that morning on my way to class.

Through the years, you remained true. It didn’t matter how many days, weeks, months, years had gone by, the reconnection was always immediate, needing no explanation, a continuation without pause.

We have lost another child of the triangle! And now I shed a tear because it never is easy to say goodbye. I’m terrible at dealing with heartbreak, and this is a heart wrenching moment. I can’t quite swallow the lump in my throat and the tears stream unbidden. For now I mourn, but I hold on to the sunshine that was your spirit, the warmth it brought, and cherish always the blessing that is you.

He always made me smile no matter the circumstances. Thanks Koko ;)