‘You were my confidant and compass’: Rosemary’s emotional tribute to Raila
"Baba, you taught me to sharpen my own ideas, to think deeply, to question, to stand for what I believe in even when it’s not easy."
You were Baba to millions of people in Kenya, but to me, you were more than that; you were the loving Dad to me and my siblings, a loving husband to my mother, and a loving granddad to my daughters.
You were also my confidant, my adviser and my dear friend. You were a family man of unparalleled integrity. You believed in doing the right thing, even when it was hard or unpopular.
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You were my evergreen source of wisdom and my best life coach. You had a way of sharing advice, wisdom or lessons without making them sound like lectures.
Baba, you taught me to sharpen my own ideas, to think deeply, to question, to stand for what I believe in even when it’s not easy.
You showed me that true strength lies not intransigent, but in conviction guided by compassion. Through your example, I learned forgiveness; that healing comes not from holding on, but from letting go and choosing peace.
And most beautifully, you taught me to appreciate diversity and to embrace those who see the world differently. You lived your truth with openness and tolerance, reminding us that Kenya’s strength is in her many voices.
You are not just my father, Baba. You are my teacher, my compass and my greatest example of grace in the face of struggle. Your life was a gift, and I will forever cherish the memories of the personal moments we shared.
Thank you for your guidance, support and the unwavering and unconditional love you showed me. I can’t imagine how I will be able to live without you, but I know the Almighty will give me the strength and wisdom to do.
I will forever honour your legacy. I will carry on your memories and values, and I promise to live a life that will make you proud. Everything I will, I will do it for you. Your memory will forever be a treasure.
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.
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