This archive report was first published on 24 June 2021.
Former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo's sudden death on June 14 at 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.
Midiwo was married to two wives, Betty Muganda and Rose Olayo, and had a long-term relationship with Jackie, with whom he had a son, Allan Henry.
His wife of 31 years, Betty, eulogized him as a caring father who won her admiration at first sight when they met in Washington DC, USA in 1990 while studying 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's hard work, which ensured the family never lacked, and acknowledged his passion for politics, which sometimes made it difficult for him to balance his family life.
His second wife, Rose, mourned him, saying she will dearly miss his advice and close ties they enjoyed together. They met in 2005 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,” Rose said.
Jackie, Midiwo's ex-lover, also paid tribute to him, remembering him as a strict father who instilled valuable traits in their son, Allan Henry.
“I recall when Allan was graduating with his Master's 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,” Jackie said.
His children, Allan and Linda, also had moving tributes to their father, remembering him as a guiding force in their lives and a caring parent who gave them the best.
