Former Youth Enterprise and Development Fund (YEDF) boss Bruce Odhiambo passed away on Tuesday morning after a battle with cardiac ailments.
Odhiambo was an avid music enthusiast and served as the Johari Clef audio-visual production studio CEO at the time of his death.
Played with Safari Sound Band
His journey with music started in the 1990s where he played with the renowned music group Safari Sound band which holds the title of the best selling album of all time.
They were certified platinum four times, with recordings of Swahili classics such as “Jambo Bwana” (published with the title “Jambo, Jambo”) and “Malaika” being well-known.
Odhiambo also played with the Spartans.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's Schoolmate
The celebrated producer was also President Uhuru Kenyatta's close friend having been schoolmates at St Mary's High school.
Born in Asembo, Siaya County, Bruce came from a poor background where he largely grew up in Nairobi’s Eastlands.
He had a habit of getting late to school and was the only student who came to school by public transport, travelling on the Number 7 Kenya Bus Services from Jericho to the city centre and connecting to Waiyaki Way using the Number 23, before walking the rest of the way from Church Road.
Kibaki's son Gave Him Motorcycle
The son of then Vice-President Mwai Kibaki, David Kibaki came to his rescue and gave him an old motorcycle to use.
It was during a visit to Kibaki's home when he noticed the machine which was not in use and pleaded to have a go at it.
“I had never ridden a motorcycle before, but I was not going to admit that and let my luck slip. I can’t really explain how I did it but somehow my trial-and-error worked all the way to Jericho,” he was quoted by the Nation.
A rather peculiar story was that of how he got his son. Rather than going the traditional route of marriage, he approached a woman on the streets whom he described as a stunning beauty.
He was not interested in courting her, as all he wanted was the lady to bear his child for him.
“I said I did not want to waste her time with long stories about love and what not. I simply wanted her to bear my child with no strings attached,” he explained.
The woman was at first hesitant but finally agreed to the proposal.
Odhiambo remained unmarried but with his son and the mother was granted occasional visits.
Government appointment and Resignation
Odhiambo was appointed the chairman of the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund (YEDF) in 2013.
However, he stepped down from the position in 2016 over a corruption scandal.
Production Studio
After his resignation, Odhiambo continued on his musical journey as he focussed on his production company JCleff.
Several Kenyan artistes have come out to eulogize the late Odhiambo as a visionary and a great supporter of Kenyan music.
"My last convo with Bruce Odhiambo late 2018! RIP 'Uncle' I postponed this project to 2019 so I could have enough time... news you've passed is a shocker. Itakuaje sasa... we could talk music, politics and relationships easily," MajiMaji commented.
"We have lost a Legendary Musician Producer. Father. Grandfather. Friend to many. My Heart Felt Condolences to Bruce's Odhiambo's Family and Music Industry Fraternity...Rest in Eternal peace," Nonini wrote.
President Uhuru Kenyatta eulogized Odhiambo as a man who used his position to benefit many.
"I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of my friend Bruce Odhiambo, following his death. Bruce shared his God-given talents through philanthropy and many benefitted from his generosity. May God give his family the strength to bear this loss," he wrote.
