Kenyan football fanatics this morning the death of James Oduor popularly known as ‘Cobra’ following yesterday’s terror attack at Dusit Hotel complex in Westlands, Nairobi.
Cobra who was supposed to celebrate his birthday today, was among the first people to send out distress calls on his Twitter handle immediately the attack began.
“Waaaah. What’s happening at 14 Riverside fam? Any news from out there?” – was one of his posts seen yesterday.
Waaaah. What's happening at 14 Riverside fam? Any news from out there?
— James Odu Cobra (@Oducobra) January 15, 2019
As the attacks went on, Cobra kept tweeting, trying to inform Kenyans of what was going on.
“What’s happening at 14 Riverside man. We’re trapped in our buildings. Gunshots and non-stop explosions” – another tweet read.
What's happening at 14 Riverside man. We're trapped in our buildings
— James Odu Cobra (@Oducobra) January 15, 2019
He ran a video blog (Wadau Tv) which covered football stories from the grassroots level.
Those who knew Cobra personally took to social media to express their grief, showering him with messages of peace. Here are a couple of the reactions.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must share the sad news of the passing of a great man James OduorCobra aka ODu… You were and are still an inspiration to all, with a heart that radiated love and warmth through all our lives. You will truly be missed and forever remembered.” – Sony Sugar
It’s with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one James Oduor Cobra. He was a Manchester United fan, and a football player for Manchester United Kenya Team. We lost him through the attack at Riverside. We pray that his soul rests in peace. RIP pic.twitter.com/jzuuhU4tKQ
— ManUtd 🇰🇪 (@_ManUtdKE) January 16, 2019
To the family, friends and relatives of Team Hippos player Erick James Oduor Cobra aka ODU among those killed at Riverside during the attack by terrorists on Tuesday.
May God give you strength to go through.
It's very sad to loose such a young, vibrant soul#RiversideAttack pic.twitter.com/lbXJz3icSh— Char-lee Oddie (@CharleeOddie1) January 16, 2019
James Oduor Cobra, so sad. Lala pema pake Mungu. pic.twitter.com/Z9xSa5nI9A
— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) January 16, 2019
“Fare thee well my friend. Your good spirit will live on in football. You did your part. We shall do ours and remember you.” – FKF boss Nick Mwendwa.