Former Youth Enterprise Development Fund Chairman, Bruce Odhiambo who had been admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at Nairobi Hospital after his blood pressure hit extremely low levels yesterday is dead, and Kenyans who knew and valued him have flocked the internet with different messages.
The Director of Statehouse digital communications Dennis Itumbi has penned down his heartfelt condolence to Bruce Odhiambo, whom he recognises as a great man.
His long post on facebook read,
“I suspend Pastor’s Moment today to salute Bruce Odhiambo.
A great man by all means who developed many concepts that gave TNA a tune and Jubilee an identity.
Bruce Odhiambo was a personal friend of the President and the First Lady too. Throughout his three week fight with failing health at Nairobi hospital the Head of State stood with him.
Bruce gave many people hope by giving them space to reach their goals.
One day, while in town, I met this group of three street children who were using a carton as a drum , a pipe as a flute and a newspaper cutting as an imaginary piano.
They could sing in my judgement.
I called Bruce and asked him if he could make time to listen to some young men or hand me someone at the studio to listen to them.
He was out of town, he however requested me to hold until the next day.
He listened to them. Recorded them and beyond that got them a famous musician to record with them.
The three today are in high school completing their studies this year.
That was Bruce.
When the story of Beyond Zero is written, Bruce will be a signature across it.
Like all of us he had his weaknesses and he acknowledged them and said, “focus on my strengths, I will deal with my weaknesses.”
There was one incident, I will never forget, but I will not share too. But it is a perfect memory of a man who was a friend to those that occupy the highest offices and humble enough to interact with those without a title to their names.
Go well Bruce. You lived well. We will sure miss you.
God Strengthen your family and grant endless grace to them.
You have left us music and lessons. Your tunes will forever play in our hearts.
Safari salama.”