Tears flowed freely yesterday at the burial of Dr James Gakara and his two children in an emotional send-off at their home in Mbaruk in Gilgil, Nakuru county.

They were laid to rest amidst a cloud of mystery surrounding the events of September 18 at the upmarket Mlimani estate in Nakuru town.

Gakara’s friends fought back tears as the hearse brought in their bodies to their final resting place.

His widow, Winnie Odhiambo, remained composed as she stood by the three caskets while recounting the good moments she had with her departed family.

In a sweet but sad narration, Winnie remembered the trio as jolly, generous, kind and loving, saying she has suffered immense loss.

“My husband was so ballsy that nothing could shake or block him from pursuing his dream. I have never met such a beautiful soul,” said Winnie.

She remembered Dylan Gakara as selfless and generous. On Hailey Karuana, the widow said her daughter was a brilliant and smart child.

“I will definitely miss them. It is a painful loss,” she said. She wondered how her weekends would be after an exhausting week, saying she will forever cherish the song – Overwhelming Love of God by Cory Asbury, which used to play every Sunday in their house.

Agnes Njeri, the only remaining daughter of Gakara, was full of praise of her father, saying he fought his way to the top in the medical field.

Mental health

“You always taught me life is what you make it, you might have left us but God is the father of the fatherless, thank you for bringing me up,” she said.

Dr Norman Njogu, a friend and colleague who helped midwife Dylan and Karuana, said it has been a nightmare for him and his associates.

“I have known Gakara for 20 years. He did his work with passion and finesse,” he said.

Speakers who addressed mourners said mental health was a serious issue, regretting that no one was able to pick any signs from Gakara to know he was suffering.

Mbaruk Ward Rep Samuel Mugi remembered Gakara as a humble, loving, and straightforward man, saying it was God’s grace for him to depart in the way he did.