I must acknowledge that these times of COVID are truly impactful and unprecedented.
The pandemic has completely disrupted the world as we know it. Since it began in March, I’ve tried to tune out the noise, hoping that by ignoring it, the situation would improve. It’s like when I was a child and heard sounds outside my window. If I held my breath and stayed still, I could convince myself it was just my imagination and go back to sleep peacefully. But this time, my approach was way off base.
About a week ago, precisely on November 25th, I lost a cherished individual in my life to this battle. He possessed a beautiful heart, brimming with wisdom, vitality, and happiness. Despite occasional disagreements over the past year, typical of any friendship experiencing rough patches, I held onto the belief that once we reunited, all would be forgiven and we’d share laughter over a bottle of his favorite Glenfiddich Reserve 15 Years. But now, these are merely hopeful musings. Our shared moments—filled with laughter, gossiping about others’ mishaps, recounting disastrous dates, and even arguing—are now confined to memories. From lengthy phone conversations about scandalous stories to afternoon drives for lunch outside the city, to nights spent in the hottest clubs where he insisted on strategic seating to balance between feeling too old and wanting to remain trendy (and I can’t blame him, after all, sixty isn’t exactly young in any language). He always stood out, dressed in his luxurious linen shirts, ready to challenge any injustice. He taught me the importance of standing by my convictions, regardless of the consequences.
My beloved friend broadened my horizons to countless possibilities when I felt trapped in a limited perspective. He showed me that friendship transcends boundaries of size, shape, age, position, and status, often emerging from the most unexpected quarters. Whether through his intellect, lifestyle, professional standing, or the shared inside jokes that brought us joy, our connection puzzled others. Yet, it was uniquely ours, forged in mutual understanding and appreciation.
Today marks the moment of your final farewell, unfolding in real-time. While I sit behind my desk at work, I feel compelled to immortalize our bond in these words, lest I forget the warmth and companionship you unfailingly provided during our shared meals and drinks, whether at dawn or under the veil of night. Each moment spent in your company remains etched in my memory, cherished beyond measure. I count myself fortunate to have truly known you, to have reveled in the freedom of being my authentic self in your presence, save for those moments when you humorously nudged me to abandon my antics. Our times together, be they joyous or challenging, including the unforgettable night at Ole Sidai when your pink linen shirt and white khaki met their demise, are treasures I shall cling to for as long as life permits.
As I follow the procession, I come to realize that your essence wasn’t a facade put on for others; it was simply who you were at your core. Those who cherished and truly understood you recognized your unwavering commitment to your beliefs, your unfiltered honesty in every spoken word, and your willingness to go to great lengths for those close to your heart. You’ve left an indelible mark on many souls, and even in your absence, we continue to glean lessons from your life. Each person who paid tribute to you spoke of your impeccable sense of style and your penchant for dressing in the epitome of fashion—crisp, white linen pressed to perfection. There’s so much more to express, but time eludes us.
You continue to be a friend, to many. Go well My dear friend Bwana Kiarie.
Isa 41:10 So do not fear, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
We each possess a unique purpose in life. How are you striving to fulfill yours? What legacy will you leave behind when you’re gone? Will they speak of your kindness to your partners, your generosity toward your neighbors, and your readiness to help those in need? What will be said of you once you depart this earth?
From this moment forward, I aim to sow deliberate seeds in all that I do.
thewhisperofstrength.com 