Ababu Namwamba pays moving tribute to loyal bodyguard week after his death: "You left a void"

Former Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts, Ababu Namwamba, has moved Kenyans with a heartfelt tribute to his longtime bodyguard, Corporal Jonah Kemboi Rotich, a week after his burial.

The late officer, who served Namwamba loyally for over 18 years, passed away following a prolonged illness and was laid to rest on June 4.

Taking to his X account, the former CS poured out his grief, sharing an emotional message and a montage of videos and images from the funeral.

“It has been a week since we laid you to rest. You have left a void impossible to fill. Rest well, eternal Shujaa Jonah Kemboi Rotich. Until resurrection in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Namwamba wrote.

It has been a week since we laid you to rest. You have left a void impossible to fill. Rest well eternal, Shujaa Jonah Kemboi Rotich. Until resurrection in our Lord Jesus Christ. pic.twitter.com/bKNst64Hmf

— Amb Hon Ababu-Namwamba, EGH?? (@AbabuNamwamba) June 11, 2025

The tribute included footage of Namwamba delivering a tearful speech at the funeral, bowing and weeping beside the casket during the final viewing.

In another clip, he was seen placing flowers on Jonah’s grave and comforting his bereaved family. All the visuals were accompanied by the sombre tones of Jim Reeves’ gospel classic “This World is Not My Home.”

One particularly dramatic moment during the burial ceremony stood out. As the police prepared to honour the late corporal with a 21-gun salute, a traditional farewell accorded to officers, an unidentified mourner dressed in a Kakamega Homeboyz jersey, camouflage trousers, and a white construction helmet lit a firecracker and hurled it into the air.

The explosive detonated just as the official gunfire ended, startling the crowd and momentarily disrupting the solemnity of the scene.

Despite the unexpected interruption, the ceremony continued with deep respect for the man who had stood by Namwamba through decades of service and duty.

Social media was flooded with condolences and praise for Rotich. “Always smiling. Respectful and a loyal person. Rest easy, Rotich,” one user commented.

Another added, “There is nobody as honourable and loving as a trained CPO… the gap he has left will be felt for years to come. Go well, Afande.”