Eric was born in Bunyore District of Western Kenya, the fourth child in a family of 10 children to Festus Isaac Assanga Esikhaty and Grace Muthoni.

Growing up the son of an educated postmaster, his father's frequent transfers uprooted the family frequently as Festus initiated Post Offices in Kericho, Kipkelion, Londiani, and then onwards to Molo, Naivasha and Nairobi.

Life spent moving frequently had a great influence in shaping a resilient character in Eric and his siblings; all of whom loved and looked up to him for advice and protection. He shares a very close bond with each of them in a special way - Peter Mabwa, Macy Ndung'u, Joyce Assanga, the late Roger, William, the late Oscar, Catherine, Charles and the late Sammy.

Unabated, Eric pressed on with his education and went on to successfully sit his Cambridge certificate at Highway Secondary School, and later on to Nairobi school to complete his A-Levels in 1971.

Perhaps the biggest surprise came as he chose to enroll in the Soroti School of Flying in Uganda, established by the United Nations, and contrary to everyone's expectations of him pursuing a career in the medical field.

The disbanding of the Flying School under the tyranny of Iddi Amin pushed him on to enlist in the Kenya Air Force, and continue the pursuit of a career in aviation and of military service on 9 August 1974.

Eric's service in the military saw him flight instructing for many years, attend many courses, get posted to numerous appointments, and rise through the ranks from 2nd Lieutenant in 1974 to Brigadier in 1999.

Many appointments took him away from home, traveling around the world but all the while remained an available father, friend and colleague.

Among his notable appointments was the Shorts Tucano Ferry flight that sent him away from home for many months, and which highlighted his leadership, risk management and teamwork qualities in a mission  that was not free of issues.

Eric continued his service in the Kenya Air Force for many fruitful years, until retirement in January 2002.

Eric took his talents to the Security portfolio of Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) where he carried out duties in the spirit of service to others; exemplified by his evacuation orders of endangered employees during the election violence in 2007.

Moving on from KCB to the Kenya Airport Authority once again showcased his leadership talents and soft people skills in a staff re-structuring that saw the Agency grow in employee numbers, and raise the security ranking of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Many of Eric's KAA colleagues became his work family, and to this day pass their warm regards to Brigadier long after his retirement.

Eric married Maryanne Mbuthia Esikhaty on December 7, 1985 and have 3 boys - Isaac (39) , Alex (34) and Peter (22) .

A loving husband to Maryanne and an inspirational father to his sons, Eric lived and led by example; he modelled humility, integrity, hard work and demonstrated steadfast loyalty. With his wife, Maryanne, they have made numerous sacrifices to provide opportunities for their sons; passing on the passion for aviation, and supporting Alex's choice to get into aviation training, Isaac's pursuit of a University degree in Canada, and Peter's Engineering aspirations in Mauritius.

The blessing of 2 daughters in love, Heidi and Millie, who have blessed him with 3 grandchildren, Azaliah, Josiah and Aaron have filled Eric's heart with love over the last 3 years. He has taken great enjoyment in holding them, and meeting with them over video calls in spite of the unprecedented times. All this provided more time to fill out crossword puzzles - a favourite past time.

Eric was baptized in the Catholic Church on December 6, 1985, a day before his wedding, and attended the St. Paul's Chapel with his family on regular Sundays. On 26 March 2021 , Eric chose to profess his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as his Saviour, trusting Him alone for Salvation. He understood that God's mighty hand was in control of his destiny by Faith.

His Friends and family will miss him so dearly. We will keep Eric's name on our lips, and share the memories of him in our hearts with each other - he shall live in our hearts forevermore!

It is with humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the promotion to glory of Brig. (Rtd) Eric Mbuthia Esikhaty, which occurred on March 29, 2021, at Nairobi hospital, after a long illness bravely borne.

Fourth child of the late Festus Isaac Assanga Esikhaty & the late Grace Muthoni.

Loving husband to Maryanne Esikhaty, an inspirational father to Isaac Assanga Esikhaty (Canada), Alex Kimangi Esikhaty (KQ) and Peter Mabwa Esikhaty (ALU, Mauritius). Cherished grandpa to Azaliah, Josiah and Aaron.

Beloved nephew to Amb. Alfred and Florence Machayo, Tom Esikhaty (US), Benson Osome (Canada), Susan Macharia among others.

Much loved brother to Peter Mabwa, Mary Ndung’u, Joyce Assanga, the late Roger, William, the late Oscar, Catherine Mwapaga (Mombasa), Charles (US) and the late Sammy.

Brother-in-law to Keziah, Susan, Wisdom, Kabetu, Margaret and Jane.

Eric was a role model to many nephews, a dependable colleague in the Kenya Air Force, KCB and KAA, and to many others a humble, loving friend.

Family and friends are meeting in Upper Hill, and conforming with COVID-19 protocols, limiting attendance at the church service and burial site on Thursday April 1, 2021.