EARLY LIFE
Mr. Jacob Odhiambo Kimori was born to the late Jeremiah Kimori of Waondo and the late Mama Norah Asyago of Kaksingri on 12th April,1957 in Waondo Sub-location, Gembe East-Location. He was the last-born child in a family of three; Monica Anyango and Benjamin Ochwedo.
Having lost his mum in the early 80’s Jacob was bred by the late Mama Dorcas Ajwang’ and David Ajwang’ Nyakwamba who were also his mentors.
Being a polygamous family, his other brothers were: The late Osawa, the late Pambo, the late Hesbon, the late Johanna, the late Dickson, the late Okeyo, the late Ngeso, the late Uhuru, Albert, Simeon and Opollo. Jack’s other sisters were: Benter, Grace, Jennifer, Akinyi and Peres.
He was cousin to the Late Hon. Senator Gerald Kajwang’, Jennifer, Hon. Senator Moses Kajwang’ (Homa Bay County), Hon. T.J Kajwang’ (MP Ruaraka Constituency), Hon Peter Kajwang’ (MCA-Kaptembwa Ward Nakuru), Joe, Mary, Jaja, Mark, Dr. Ray, Esther among several others.
Jack’s other fathers were: Mzee David Ajwang Nyakwamba, Mr. Samuel Kitegi, Mr. Shadrack Ogolla, the late Mzee William Onyango, Samson Kirigi among several others while his mothers were: Phoebe and Salina.
EDUCATION AND WORK
Jack Started his school life at Waondo Primary school in the year 1964 where he sat his exams in 1972 and excelled securing a chance to join Mbita High School from 1973 to 1976. He was then employed as an untrained teacher and posted at Got Kachola Primary School in Nyatike Sub-County. In 1979 Jacob joined Kilimambogo Teachers Training College for a 2-Year P1 course.
In May 1981, Jack got his first posting in Ntimaru, Kehancha Division as a trained teacher where he worked for only one month then got a transfer to Urianda Primary School with the help of Mzee David Ajwang’ who wanted him to work near home. He then got a transfer to Lambwe Primary School as a Deputy Headteacher. Later, he got promoted to the position of a headteacher at Kamsama Primary school then moved to Waondo Primary school in the same capacity. While at Waondo Primary, Jack also served as the first and pioneer principal of Waondo Secondary School. He managed both – Waondo Primary and Waondo Sec School.
In 1998, Jacob was then promoted as an Education Officer and was posted as TAC Tutor in Rusinga Zone then transferred to Lambwe zone under the new title Area Education Officer (AEO). Jack was again transferred to Mbita West Zone in the same capacity. He was finally transferred to Kobama Zone where he retired as Curriculum Support Officer (CSO) in April 2017.
MARRIAGE
Mr. Jacob got married to his beloved wife Madam Eunice Atieno Odhiambo daughter of the late Mzee Joel Ayugi and the late mama Philida Ayugi of Nyakach Kabodho – Pap Onditi. They tied a knot in 1980 through a Christian marriage. They were then blessed with six children namely: Dorothy Akinyi, Everlyne Achieng, Norah Asyago, Carol Awuor, Ben Onyango and Philder Jacob.
Dad was also blessed with nine grandchildren including, Shirley, Shannel, Jay Jack, Jack Donnels, Ela, Grania, Evanna, Erney and Shania and several others.
Dad welcomed his two sons in law: Peter Collins Okomo (PC) and George Opado (Gee) warmly to his family.
His other sons were Walter, Denish, Joseph, Moi, Odongo, Otieno, George, Michael, Kennedy, Jim, Reagan, Otieno, Sida, Odhier among others. While his other daughters were Lucien, Beatrice, the late Beline, Quinter and several others.
CHRISTIAN LIFE
He was baptized in Waondo Seventh Day Adventist Church in his youth. He served as the Church Elder of Waondo SDA church, LAY Representative of Kenya Lake Field (Rusinga Block) and also as a lead Elder of Nyamasare District.
He saw the initiatiation of Mbita Central Church while in Mbita Secondary School in togetherness with the late Hon. Senator Gerald Kajwang’ and Salmon Chiaji.
Dad saw the inception of the grand ark church of Waondo SDA Church that is still in progress.
SOCIAL LIFE
His mastery of language and superb articulation made him be a preferred Master of Ceremonies (MC) for major events with his Common name “WUOD BABA” and his well-known slogan of “KWANI NINI! HELEEE…!!!”
HEALTH AND DEMISE
Dad had a few manageable diseases including Diabetes, Blood Pressure and Kidney Problem. He was pricked by a thorn on his right foot sole that developed into a wound. He was treated at the Agha Khan Hospital Kisumu in 2018. The wound healed in a 6 month period.
He was attending his regular clinics being a diabetic under the supervision of Dr. Ali Buoy and Dr. Okumu of Aga Khan Hospital Kisumu and Dr. Owiti of Avenue Hospital Kisumu.
He developed a slight cough and sought for medication on 7th July, 2021at the Agha Khan Hospital Homa Bay Branch where he was diagnosed with acute pneumonia and low oxygen levels. Due to inadequate admission beds at the Aga Khan Hospital Homa Bay, he was transferred to the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital where we secured a bed for him with the help of our own Dr. Ray Kajwang’. While receiving medication for the three days, he was under a close medical care of our own, Dr. Edwin Opar and other medics.
He was doing fine till the evening of Friday, 9th July, 2021 when we gave him his evening meal at around 7:30 pm. He bade us bye for that day as we were to go pick him out of hospital the following day, following a probable doctor’s discharge. We were awakened by the sad news that dad had passed at about 5:00am on Saturday, 10th July, 2021.
It was a very sad morning.
That marked the end of Jacob Odhiambo Kimori’s life on earth.
We love you and we’ll dearly miss you.
Rest Easy Wuod Baba
20 Condolences for Mwalimu Jacob Odhiambo Kimori
Condolences(20)
Philder says
July 16, 2021 at 10:24When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen (Isaiah 60:22) Even at the sight of death, dad battled to the end. During you last days I felt you were preparing me for your final lap, admiring how much I had grown up and fast at everything I was doing, encouraging me to be slow to anger. I will for heed your teachings. Till we meet….
Ben says
July 16, 2021 at 10:26Dad, your son is hurt and in tears. Your kind words, advice and counsels are all I have with me to carry on your legacy. I miss you Ofisa.
“…If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord…”
Till we meet again Wuod Baba.
Caro says
July 16, 2021 at 10:26Dad nothing breaks my heart more than having a home that no longer has you in it. Your presence brightened our lives and through that we are glowing.
Eternal rest Ofisa.
Mammy says
July 16, 2021 at 10:27We loved you but you left before us. If indeed there’s life after death, we’ll surely meet wuod Norah.
Rest in peace Oindi nyathina.
Everlyne says
July 16, 2021 at 10:28Our lives go on without you but nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartaches when someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you, silent the tears that fall, living our hearts without you is the hardest part of all. You did so many things for us, your heart was kind and true, and when we need to talk to someone, we could always count on you. The special years will not return when we were all together, but with the love within our hearts you will walk with us forever.
Dottie says
July 16, 2021 at 10:29‘’…the heavens rejoice when a good person dies…’’
Dad your task on earth is gone. I will miss my response to you whenever you gave me a call…” Yes, my Dad”. Oindi, I miss our late-night stories, our family meals, your pieces of advice…oooh… your love for “Daughter”. Toto is missing you osiepa.
” Ageno wanarom.”
Atis says
July 16, 2021 at 10:30You were the best. I know you can feel my tears and you don’t want me to cry anymore. My heart is broken because I can’t understand why someone so precious had to die. RIP dad
Mum says
July 16, 2021 at 10:32Your love for me was real. You protected me and our children. You were very responsible and kind. Slow to anger but firm. I will miss you wuod Norah!
George says
July 16, 2021 at 11:28When I first met Dad, I immediately felt that I was in the company of a good man. He accepted me the way I was and straight away became my friend and father. It was love at first sight. The Paternal Love which I had missed for over 20 years, since my biological Father died, was rekindled. He gave me the freedom, to come home anytime and anyway I felt like. He never regarded me as a son-in-law. Instead, he always called me ‘Nyathina’, meaning my child. He was proud of me. He deeply loved my family. He didn’t miss any funeral involving my family (Jokarachuonyo). He always stood by my side. Everytime we met, the first question was how’s mum doing? He deliberately wanted to know how my mother, was doing. He had no boundaries. He genuinely cared.
Dad was my mentor. He took me as his first born son. He secretly taught me how to be a father and a husband. He gave me lessons on how to be a man. He was soft and perfectly eloquent in speech. Ever smart. Never allowed himself to hold any grudge. He was a spiritual power house. Always praying for my success. He supported my family financially. Instead of me giving him money, he did the opposite. He paid for my air ticket when I was traveling for further studies.
I met a man who transformed my life. I met a Father. Dad was a rare breed.
Hope to meet him on that resurrection Morning. I will forever miss him.
Ela says
July 16, 2021 at 11:35I loved Babu. I thank him for everything. He was a good grandfather to me. He was my favorite grandpa. He told me everything you wanted me to do and I did it. He told me to work hard and pass my exams.
Now it is time for him to rest. It’s my first time to separate with him. May his soul rest in peace.
Evanna says
July 16, 2021 at 11:42Jesus loved you more, Babu.
Grania says
July 16, 2021 at 11:45Babu, thank you for everything that you taught me. You made sure I was happy. You were a good person. You bought for us books and many other things when we needed them. You cared for me and taught me how to show respect. I will not see you again. But I will still remember you. May you rest in peace.
Bradon Chuchu says
July 16, 2021 at 22:56Eternal rest grant him oh! Lord.
Titus Oreng says
July 17, 2021 at 05:18Rest easy in the Lord Wuod Baba, Uncle, and a mentor, you impressed many with your leadership skills and communal unity, go well, rest with the Lord.
Bye Baba Ben.
Nyanja Opado says
July 17, 2021 at 07:54Japuonj was one of a kind. He was a close father and always called me Nyathina. His signature smile lives in my in laws. He touched many a life, jawat ma genuine…. Kwani iko nini…. Wuod baba… You have left a hole no one will fill. Rest, wuod baba…. Nind gi kwee.
Rogers Opira says
July 17, 2021 at 10:08I never met Mr Jacob in real life,I’ve only met some of his children. And its clear enough that he has taught them well,whether good morals and everything. It’s sad that he left them,but you will re unite once again in the after life. Take some rest Mister Jacob,the sun will rise again. To the rest of the family, George, Ben, Philder, Everlyn ,Grannia and the rest,take heart. Don’t be so sad that he’s gone,be happy because you spent time with him
Johnson Ayoo says
July 17, 2021 at 20:01Pole to jowaondo .. waondo teacher (jopuonj waondo).. through you we had waondo secondary school built. I am a product of waondo sec school … We shall miss your educational approaches dearly… RIP mwalimu.
OSCAR ONYANGO says
July 17, 2021 at 23:25Am deeply sorrowed by the passing of your loving Father. I know how much you loved him. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
John Kogo says
July 17, 2021 at 23:26My sincere condolence to the family.May the Lord give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Felix Ojalla says
July 18, 2021 at 06:56Rest in peace mwalimu. You will forever be remembered, an important figure during our time back in primary school. You stood in for the rights of the children and always encouraged us to work for a better future.
Pole Sana Carol, Philder & the entire Jack’s family.
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