Nairobi News

Former Youth Enterprise Fund chairman and renowned music producer Bruce Odhiambo, who died on Tuesday, has been eulogized as a man with a good heart and was ready to help anyone in need.

Here are ten things to know about Mr Odhiambo.

1. In the 1980s and 1990s, he played with the legendary Mombasa-based Safari Sound Band and the Spartans.

2. He is the father of two children and a grandfather of one.

3. He surprised many when he revealed that he made an unusual proposal to a woman he had just met and after the usual pleasantries, he told her that it was not a coffee or lunch date that he sought, but rather for her to bear him a child with no strings attached. The wish was granted.

4. He is known by the name Brother B by many artistes whom he mentored. He is the founder of Johari Cleff studios.

5. He joined the prestigious St Marys school in Nairobi for secondary education after his mother transferred him from Eastleigh High school. She wanted him to escape the jaws of poverty.

6. Among his schoolmates was President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was a class ahead, former President Mwai Kibaki’s son David Kibaki was also among his close friends.

7. His first owned automobile was a motorcycle given to him by David Kibaki, which he sued to commute to school with after months of always being the late student due to being the only one using public transportation to get to school.

8. Working closely with Philip Mwakia who worked as a part time DJ was the spark that would years later ignite Bruce’s career as one of the country’s most talented artistes and producers.

9. President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him as chairman of Youth Fund in 2014, replacing Gor Semelang’o.

10. In 2016, he was implicated in the theft of Sh180 million at the Fund. Mr Kenyatta revoked his appointment as chairman.