Owen Makamu, the son of veteran sports editor Chris Mbaisi, a calm and sociable tourism industry professional, was laid to rest on Saturday in Vihiga county.
He died at the age of 25 years after a road accident on October 30.
Owen was widely remembered as a humble, God-fearing young man admired by all who knew him.
He began his education at Happyland Preparatory School, Buruburu, where he distinguished himself academically and demonstrated responsibility from an early age.
He later joined the prestigious Upper Hill School, Nairobi, where teachers and classmates remembered him as grounded, optimistic and resilient, with a bright future.
The third of four siblings born to Mbaisi and Esther Zenge, Owen grew up surrounded by love and family affection. He pursued a career in tourism, a field that matched his sociable and easy-going nature.
Friends and colleagues recall a thoughtful young man whose smile brightened every room and who was always willing to lend a hand. He was known for rising early and embracing each day with energy and purpose.
On October 30, he left his Utawala parents' home for an engagement in the CBD, at 6.30 am, eager to hop onto a matatu at a bus stage close home.
But his trip was curtailed when a matatu hit him and sped off.
Members of the public waved down a vehicle that rushed him to Mama Lucy Hospital in the hope of saving his life.
On the way to hospital, he gave out his father’s phone number, which enabled one of the first responders to contact his parents.
But by the time his father got to the hospital, he was informed Owen was so badly injured his life could not be saved.
Owen’s faith was central to his life. He was an active communicant at St Monica Anglican Church, Embakasi, where he inspired many as a youth leader.
He expressed his faith through kindness, compassion, and respect for all he met.
Beyond his work, Owen loved football, travel, music, nature walks
and connecting with people.
He was devoted to his daughter, Imara Lani Kendi, always making time to shower her with love.
He is survived by his parents, siblings Tracy Miheso, Reagan Mbaisi and Leroy Makamu, and his daughter Imara.
Family and friends remember him as a joyful soul whose presence brought happiness and laughter.
Owen was buried in Shaviringa village, Vihiga county.
Owen Zenge Makamu, Tourism Management Executive, Born 29 March 2000; Laid to Rest 15 October 2025.
