This archive report was first published on 24 June 2021.
Former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo's sudden death on June 14 at the Nairobi Hospital has left his family, relatives, friends, and Kenyans in shock.
As his burial is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, his close family members, including his two wives, ex-lover, and children, have come together to pay him glowing tributes.
Jakoyo was married to two wives, Betty Muganda and Rose Olayo, and had three children with them. His first wife, Betty, who was married to him for 31 years, eulogized him as a caring father who won her admiration at first sight when they met in Washington DC, USA in 1990 while they were both students at the University of Colombia.
“Your joviality and good nature attracted people, including me, the moment you walked into a room. And no one could forget your smile. You were a real charmer!” she said.
Betty also celebrated her husband as a hardworking person who ensured the family never lacked, but noted that he struggled to balance his passion for politics and family life.
His second wife, Rose Alayo Jakoyo, mourned him, saying she will dearly miss his advice and close ties they enjoyed together. They met in 2005 when they travelled together from Amsterdam and were blessed with a son, Justo Odima, in 2012.
“It is only God that can help me through this difficult time. Our time together may have been cut short, but the happiness we shared together will last a lifetime. I will always deeply miss our moments of reflections when you would assure me and give me your positive advice,” she said.
Jackie, Jakoyo's ex-lover, who had a son, Allan Henry, with him, remembered him as a strict father, a value that she will live to remember and appreciate.
“I recall when Allan was graduating with his Master Degree in 2017, you called him while we were shopping for his graduation suit. You asked to speak to me and your words to me were “you are a good woman”. I, in return, thanked you for having authoritatively ordered him to graduate in the year without fail,” she said.
His children, Allan and Linda, also paid moving tributes to their father, thanking him for guiding them and ensuring they become the people they are today.
