Family and friends of the late Tom Fred Osinde Mokaya gathered on Friday to lay him to rest at his home in Ngata.

His coffin was taken from Umash Funeral Home to his home in Ngata for a short prayer service with close family and friends.

The mourners then proceeded to Lord Egerton's castle for the public ceremony.

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Those who had the privilege of sharing Osinde's life paid tribute to him from his two wives, children, relatives and friends.

Sarah Christine emotionally read a tribute written by Osinde's first wife, Sarah Njeri Semiti, who described her husband as a loving husband and father.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to raise our two wonderful children. In many ways, you were dedicated and responsible, ensuring that our children never lacked your presence, the best education and the skills they needed to succeed in life," read part of the tribute.

Her message spoke of the love they shared as teenagers when they met at college in 1994 and how they were the envy of many as they walked daily from lecture halls to their student residences.

On the other hand, his second wife, Susan Anjalo, recounted how the two love birds met by chance on 31 December 1996, which happened to be Osinde's birthday. A matatu ride where they later met sealed their fate to be partners for about 26 years now.

The ex-government official had six children, the late Olivia Kerubo, Steve Atandi, Brenda Mongina, Ashley Nyagechanga, Brandon Momanyi and Cherise Nyanchongi.

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In their tributes, they said the loss of their father was a huge blow to the family. They added that they would continue to teach their children and protect his legacy.

Born in 1959, his peers from the Nyansiongo settlement described him as a man who developed a love of farming at a tender age.

Growing up, he was actively involved in the Osinde family's subsistence farming of tea, pyrethrum, maize, vegetables, dairy and poultry.

After becoming a government official, Osinde did not give up farming. "He could be seen on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway every weekend on his way to the farm to supervise operations.

His hard work bore fruit as his farming business slowly expanded over the years not only in Nakuru but also in Kisii," said a family member as they shared their memories of Osinde.

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Until his last days, the 64-year-old Osinde had fully embraced agriculture after taking up farming at his Ngata farm in 2022, where he started mixed farming.

He was described by many as a man who cared for his cows and ensured that his farm was well run.

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Tom Osinde's two wives pay glowing tribute as he is laid to rest

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