The family of comedian Fred Omondi has shared their grief and details surrounding his sudden death.
Eunice Atieno Omondi, Fred’s mother, expressed the deep void his passing has left in her heart. She fondly remembered Fred’s playful and mischievous nature, which eventually led to his successful career.
Atienor ecalled how Fred had a profound love for his family, especially her, and recounted a cherished memory where he facilitated her meeting with Oburu Odinga, introducing her proudly as his mother.
Tributes from the family
Fred’s cousin, Kenneth Matiba, described him as a warm and sociable person, whose loss is deeply felt by many. The family has invited leaders and the community to join them in mourning.
The family is currently making burial arrangements, aiming to lay Fred to rest by June 29, and is appealing for support from well-wishers to manage the preparations.
Fred Omondi tragically died in a road accident on Kangundo Road. The accident occurred early Saturday morning when the bodaboda he was riding collided head-on with a speeding bus.
Fred died instantly, while the rider was severely injured and hospitalized. Fred’s body was moved to Chiromo Mortuary, and the family is working through the burial logistics amidst their profound grief.
Fred’s discussing the issue of salvation
The late Fred Omondi, brother to comedian and activist Eric Omondi, appeared in an interview approximately three years ago discussing the issue of salvation.
Speaking with host Oga Obinna on the KulaCoolerShow, the late Omondi confessed to having converted to Christianity and discussed how he viewed salvation differently from others.
He appeared to complain about certain issues within the church, noting hypocrisy on the pulpit, which is often recognized as God’s house.
“To say I’ve converted has a different meaning. I believe in God, I’ve always believed in God. But from what I’ve seen, even from those who have converted, I’d prefer to be with bar people,” Fred said.
He added, “If you face a tragedy, your bar friends will give you millions. From the church, you’ll get prayers and choir. Then you’ll be obligated to pay the pastor for attending the funeral. Many good people aren’t in church. Church is a good place, I have no issue with it, but many good people are absent. Those who pretend are the ones in church.”
He said there are better alternatives people can do than going to sing in church all week from Monday to Sunday.
“During that time, just go to Children’s Homes. Bless someone. Go and get to know your neighbor. Some people don’t know their neighbors. That’s an act of kindness,” he said.
Fred passed away on Saturday morning in what was reported as a serious road accident on the Outering Road in Nairobi.
Police said the accident that killed Fred occurred on Saturday morning after the motorcycle he was a pillion passenger in was hit by a speeding bus, forcing the rider and the deceased to fall on the tarmac.
Omondi was rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital where he was pronounced dead while undergoing treatment, a police officer said.