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Uhuru reveals how Bruce Odhiambo helped in ‘straightening’ up his son Jomo


President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday opened up about his close relationship with former chairman of Youth Enterprise Development Fund Bruce Odhiambo who died last week.

The head of state was speaking during Odhiambo’s burial ceremony in Koru, Kisumu were he disclosed that the former music producer helped him straighten up his son Jomo.

He said that the late music producer was a mentor to many young people including his very own son Jomo.

“He was a mentor to many young people including my very own son Jomo whom he helped me straighten out and that is why I have come here today to celebrate a man who means a lot to my family,” said Kenyatta.

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses mourners during the burial service of former Youth Enterprise Development Funds Chairman Bruce Odhiambo at Koru in Kisumu County on January 19, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY | STATE HOUSE
President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses mourners during the burial service of former Youth Enterprise Development Funds Chairman Bruce Odhiambo at Koru in Kisumu County on January 19, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY | STATE HOUSE

LIFELONG FRIENDSHIP

He also revealed that he sat in the same class with Odhiambo at St. Mary’s School and their friendship lasted until his death.

According to the head of state Odhiambo was a Kenyan who knew no tribal or religious boundaries.

“That was the basis of our friendship. Bruce was an example of the Kenyans that we really want. We who have been left behind and we must ask ourselves what we can do to emulate him,” the president said.

President Kenyatta also narrated how the deceased took him to Kibera so many times to seek ways to improve the lives of the youth.

The head of state promised to support the family that Odhiambo has left behind.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga and other mourners at the graveside of former Youth Enterprise Development Funds Chairman Bruce Odhiambo at Koru in Kisumu County on January 19, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY | STATE HOUSE
President Uhuru Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga and other mourners at the graveside of former Youth Enterprise Development Funds Chairman Bruce Odhiambo at Koru in Kisumu County on January 19, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY | STATE HOUSE

PRESIDENT’S PROMISE

“I am making this promise not as the president but as a brother of the man who is lying here. We shall ensure these children complete education and settle in life. We shall support you to keep his company alive and moving because he would have done the same for us,” he said.

President Kenyatta shared a podium with the ODM leader Raila Odinga during the ceremony. Mr Odinga eulogised Odhiambo as a selfless man who had a great heart.

“He touched generations, those who were older than him, his age-mates and younger than him. He loved people and has changed the lives of many young people,” said Mr Odinga.

The late Mr Odhiambo, who was diagnosed with low blood pressure in the early 1990s, succumbed to the ailment on January 7 and was buried at his Koru home on Saturday. He has left behind two children and a grandson.