The Radio Generation family on Friday joined People’s Breakfast producer Edna Nyaboke Ombaso and her family in saying goodbye to her father, Mzee Wilfred Ombaso Ombaso, during a burial ceremony held at the family home in Kachibora, Kitale, Trans-Nzoia County.
Family members, friends, neighbours, church members and colleagues gathered to honour the 67-year-old carpenter, whose life was remembered for his dedication to his family, strong faith and commitment to bringing people together.
Ombaso died at his home in Kachibora on August 9, 2026, after battling a heart disorder for three years. His death came after his family had begun to see signs that his health was improving, making his passing particularly painful for those close to him.
He leaves behind his wife, Liddiah Kemunto Miyienda, six children and 13 grandchildren.
Edna is one of Ombaso’s six children. She is the producer of the People’s Breakfast Show, which airs from 6am to 10am every Monday to Friday and is co-hosted by Paul Mung’ala and veteran media personality and radio presenter Charles Muga, popularly known as CT Muga.
In their tributes, Ombaso’s children remembered him as the man who held the family together, protected them and taught them the importance of unity and respect for others.
“You have been our pillar, our source of joy, and protector. You always offered solutions to our problems and told us to embrace unity. You never looked down at anyone, even when they mocked you. Dad, you always worked hard to give us a better life.”
Beyond his role as a father and provider, the family remembered Ombaso for the moments of happiness he created at home. His children spoke of the dances, jokes and laughter that became part of their memories of growing up with him.
“We do remember the light moments we shared together, the dances, the jokes and moments of laughter. I remember how we used to call you dad: Mokogoti yaani last born, black mamba because you were so black... And our brother because we were like siblings.”
The family also spoke about the difficult period that followed his illness, saying they had remained hopeful as they supported him through his health struggles.
“When we learnt about your condition, we were so heartbroken but we had to fight together. A few months ago, we finally saw the light, only to be hit by sad news.”
His final hours remained a painful memory for the family, who recalled how he went through his normal routine before his sudden death.
“You took a shower dad, had your lunch, made jokes then you sat and sat. We will forever cherish you even in death. We love you mokogoti ominto. Rest well dad.”
Born in 1959, Ombaso was the son of the late Ombaso Kebasi and the late Omongina Sabiri Ombaso. He was born at Inani, Bassi Boitangare, Kenyerere Sublocation, in Kisii County.
He started his education at Rianchore Primary School in the early 1960s before joining Kenyerere Secondary School, where he completed his O-level examinations.
Ombaso later trained and worked as a carpenter, a skill he used to help many people. He married Liddiah Kemunto Miyienda, popularly known as Rudiah, in 1980, beginning a marriage that would last until his death.
In her tribute, his wife described him as a husband who was also her closest friend and a man who remained committed to his family throughout their life together.
“Today, I stand together to honor my husband, Wilfred who was more than family, he was a friend and a constant in my life. We shared a bond that nothing can take away. He was a devoted husband and loving father, a man who always made time for family and never forgot where he came from.”
Ombaso was baptised at Itibo II SDA Church in August 2000 and remained an active and committed member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church until his death.
The funeral service brought together mourners in prayer and song, with hymns including Chakutumaini Sina and It Is Well With My Soul forming part of the ceremony as those gathered reflected on his life and faith.
The family also thanked relatives, friends, colleagues, church members and neighbours who stood with them during the period of mourning through prayers, visits, phone calls and messages.
As they brought the funeral to a close, the family turned to the words of 2 Timothy 4:7 to sum up the life of their departed father: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”