DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL
Josephine Andeyo Wakhu (Middy)
With tear-filled eyes and a heart weighed down with grief, I struggle to write or even summarise my tribute. Yet, I find solace in the comforting thoughts of the incredible life Daddy led – a life truly worthy of emulation. I firmly believe you are now resting in the Lord’s bosom.
I am Daddy’s little girl, a title I wear with immense pride, for I was undeniably his girl. I even bear his likeness. How can I possibly begin to eulogize my father? My heart is bleeding, and the pain is unbearable. His departure has totally shattered my world. What am I to do with all the promises we made to each other?
Daddy was a constant and cherished presence in my life. He never raised a hand to hit me, except for that one memorable day when I climbed the roof of our KSTC house to feast on the juiciest loquat fruits. I received one severe beating, and from that day, I never climbed any trees and learned he wanted me to be a lady, not a tomboy.
In every milestone of my life, Daddy held my hand through thick and thin. He would drop me off and pick me up from school every single day in our “old faithful” vintage Volvo KKZ 266. He was involved in every detail of my life. When I was in primary school at St. George’s, with the introduction of Art & Craft on the syllabus, he ensured I had what we needed for our 844 carpentry classes and passed the subject with flying colours. He arranged for a driver to take my classmates and I to the Kenya Science Teachers College workshop to build a rabbit hutch for our practical. He made sure we understood every step and took part in the construction process. For our science classes, he supplied our class with apparatus such as light prisms, microscopes, magnifying glasses, thermometers, etc helping us engage with hands-on experiments and observations, making science more interactive and fun. I became the popular Professor's daughter in class.
During the long school holidays, he made sure I spent at least 3 hours each day studying. He provided me with books to read and required me to summarize what I had learned. He also tutored me in math using a Kiswahili book, followed by quizzes that he would mark and comment on. Meanwhile, my younger sister Patricia would always get off easy, spending her time playing with her peers at the college kids' playground.
Growing up at KSTC, we were fortunate to have access to the students' recreational facilities. While my siblings made regular trips to the swimming pool every weekend, I was too scared to swim and only clung to the shallow end, dipping in and out of the water. I’m not sure how Daddy picked up on my fear, but soon after, he took my younger sister Patricia and I to the YMCA Central for swimming lessons. I eventually became quite skilled and participated in several school competitions, proudly bringing home trophies to show him.
Daddy was a passionate patriot and a dedicated KANU supporter. His profession earned him presidential invitations to national celebrations at both the stadiums and State House, and I had the privilege of accompanying him to these events. He and Mummy encouraged me to join the Kenya Girl Guides, where I became involved with the Brownies and occasionally participated in parades during ceremonies. I memorized all the patriotic songs and was an active member of my high school choir as well as the secondary school mass choirs.
As a teenager in high school in Eldoret, I didn't get many visits, but Daddy, who was a member of the Board of Governors, would visit for board meetings. I would know he had been around when the headmistress handed me a packet of goodies, he’d left behind for me. He preferred not to interrupt my studies, so he'd quietly slip back to Nairobi. Remarkably, Daddy handled my back-to-school personal essentials shopping at the start of each term. Knowing how much I disliked taking the bus to Eldoret, he always dropped me off at the Nairobi train station for my journey to school. He even arranged for me to be picked up from the station early in the morning when I arrived.
Education was paramount to him. Despite him lacking the resources, he ensured that I was enrolled at a private university for my undergraduate studies. At the end of every semester, he asked to see my transcripts and wouldn’t accept any grade below a B+. Before embarking on my MBA, he arranged a tutor for me at Starehe Boys Center to assist me in preparing for my GMAT.
In return, I too ensured I took part in most of his milestones. Daddy loved the Lord and he took his church leadership roles very seriously. I attended all his church functions and ordinations. Being miles apart. I have been fortunate to have supportive employers who have allowed me to travel for daddy’s important milestones. I know it gave him such joy seeing me there. He would proudly introduce me to his peers as "meet my daughter, my second last born." I was surely Daddy’s little girl.
Daddy was a man of few words, but when he spoke, we all listened. He imparted wisdom without preaching, guiding without imposing. "Always be true to yourself," he’d say, "and the right path will unfold before you." He taught me the value of integrity, the importance of standing up for what is right, and the courage to face adversity head-on. These lessons have shaped who I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Daddy has been ailing for some time. When he passed away this week, even though I knew it was coming, I was unprepared for the reality. I hoped for more time to come to terms with his impending departure. I had been in denial since his diagnosis, praying fervently for more time. My life will never be the same again. I am hurting so so bad; I am in pain. I have lost my friend, my cheerleader, my rock.
Till we meet again Daddy - I LOVE YOU.