Football enthusiast James Oduor eulogized online after Riverside Attack

The Riverside terror attack has resulted in the loss of lives, including one football fanatic who was trending online, as friends and colleagues eulogized him – James ‘Odu’ Oduor.

Friends and family are mourning the death of James ‘Odu’ Oduor, an ardent football fan who was killed in the Nairobi terrorist attack on the eve of his birthday. His friends and family online have since posted beautiful tribute messages and shared their memories of him on various social media platforms, after news broke that he had passed along with 13 others at the Riverside Attack. According to a statement by President Uhuru Kenyatta, 14 lives have been lost in the Al-Shabaab terror attack at 14 Riverside drive at 3 pm yesterday (15.01.19)

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.”

Homeboyz Radio deejay G Money posted on Instagram saying Odu always had good vibes and he was one of his first friends when he came to Kenya:

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I don’t even know what to say bro. I keep asking why Odu. Why Odu? This guy didn’t have a bad vibe towards anyone even if you wronged him. I remember he would come to the house and treat my wardrobe like it was his. The first person to call me to wish me a happy new year. Never left me out even when I was too busy. Not you Odu, not you. The epitome of clean heartedness. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being you bro. I’m writing this with tears streaming. I’m gonna miss you bro. Fucking hell. I’m gonna miss you. I love you bro

A post shared by G Money (@gmoneyizme) on Jan 15, 2019 at 10:16pm PST

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 Boniface 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.”

Former media personality Jahmby Koikai shared her memories of Odu being a reggae fan and growing up together in the ghetto:

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@odu_cobra most of us knew you as Oduori others knew you as Cobra. Today is your birthday. I just want to remember you as the glue that held or brought most of us together, ghetto na shule. Oduori tangu enzi za shuba Nyanza ulileta watu pamoja. You were the only guy who would roll na jeshi ya namba nane na Dago na ghetto zote. Wewe na Issah.Watu walikutambua juu haukuwa na ubaya na mtu. Oduori tumedunda reggae miaka mingi. Siku tumesota kuingia reggae unasaka matiko maze. Tunadunda yetu yote alafu mangware chipo red robin tunaingia flats. Life ikachange. Tukagrow. Tukasoma. God akafungua milango. Tukapata makazi. Ukapata familia. Hatuwezi sahau vile umeishi ukituchekesha miaka yote. Leo nimekaa tu hivi nikakumbuka ukinishow maze Jahmbling usijali hii noma itaisha. Nimekaa hapa nikaskia hiyo noma ya Dusit. Hakuna mtu anaamini jos. Oduori you loved reggae, you loved football, you loved people. We love you forever. You impacted our lives so richly. We shall never forget you. Kariash flats celebrates you. Dago celebrates you. Kibich celebrates you. Fare the well. Enzi za kuchafua kwa Nyagah na rende yote, Kothbiro hapo. Thank you for your love, support, friendship. The entire crew is in disbelief maze. Hakuna mtu anaamini jos Oduori. This one hit home. Happy birthday Odu. Oduori. Odu Cobra. #DUSITATTACK #ulemtotowakariokor

A post shared by Jahmby Conqueror (@jahmbykoikai) on Jan 15, 2019 at 9:13pm PST

Odu Cobra was a football enthusiast and an amateur footballer himself who played for Kariorkor Tornadoes. He shared the last moments of his life with his followers on Twitter after he was caught up in Tuesday’s 3 pm terror attack.

At 3:32 pm, 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 3:36 pm, he added: “Waaaah. What’s happening at 14 Riverside fam? Any news from out there?” That was his last tweet.

Odu is survived by his wife and 2 children.