Friends and family have mourned the death of James ‘Odu’ Oduor , an ardent football fan who was killed in the Nairobi terrorist attack on the eve of his birthday.
Oduor, who was known to close friends as Odu Cobra, was a football enthusiast and an amateur footballer himself who turned up for Kariorkor Tornadoes.
He shared the last moments of his life with his followers on Twitter after he was caught up in Tuesday’s 3pm melee.
ODU’S TWITTER TIMELINE
At 3:32pm, he tweeted: “What’s happening at 14 Riverside man. We’re trapped in our buildings.”
A minute later, he added: “Gunshots and non-stop explosions.”
At 3:36pm, he added: “Waaaah. What’s happening at 14 Riverside fam? Any news from out there?”
That was the last tweet.
It has now emerged that he did not make it from the attack and that today, Wednesday January 16, 2019, was his birthday.
His friends shared memories of the fun times they had with him.
HAPPY MEMORIES
BBC business editor Larry Madowo tweeted: “My friend from university was killed on the eve of his birthday. This was his last tweet. He was one of the nicest, happiest people I’ve ever met. Rest well, Odu, nind maber. The world is better because you lived.”
Veteran journalist Ben Agina said: “I remember this day as “wazee” warmed up for our annual match against “vijana”… …Your loss is basically immense and I don’t know how to express myself on this kind of occasion. Your untimely death has left your household rudderless. May God give peace to your departed soul!”
Renowned sports journalist Carol Radull said: “Yes. We were all friends with Odu. A force in Kenyan football. Very sad. Praying for his little girl and the dozens of families affected by this tragedy. RIP.”
Football commentator Bonface Osano said: “The cowards killed him. James was a great lover and supporter of Kenyan football. He was part of Wadau TV crew; he will be thoroughly missed by many. Go well.”