Charles Ouda’s family talks about losing him and shares fond memories
The family and friends of Charles ‘Charli’ Ouda, a beloved member of the film and TV fraternity, are preparing to bid their final farewell to him with a church service and last rites today, February 15, 2024.
The church service will be held at All Saints Cathedral at 10:00 am, where Charli’s loved ones will gather to honour and remember him.
In a touching eulogy delivered by his family, Charli was remembered for his exceptional talent, professionalism, and the lasting impact he had on all those he encountered.
“We see it through the talent he mentored and championed and the exemplary body of work he has left behind. The professionalism that he worked with has rubbed off on many and will continue to permeate throughout the industry,” the eulogy read.
Adding, “For us, his family and friends that light will continue to shine no matter where we are. We will remember him through the memory of his bright smiles, the bear hugs, the morning singing (belting out show tunes), with every glass of Ribeena, with every chapo day, through the eyes of his nieces, nephews and God-children who adored him.”
Also read: Bye bye baba! Charles Ouda’s mother pays heartfelt tribute
Despite the profound void left by his departure, the family found solace in the verses of a poem dear to Charli’s heart titled, “Funeral Blues” by W. H. Auden.
The lines, “Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone. Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,” resonated deeply with their feelings of loss and longing.
The poem echoes the lamentation for a love lost, “Silence the pianos and with muffled drum. Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead. Scribbling on the sky the message, ‘He is Dead’.”
Following the church service, Charli’s immediate family members will proceed to Kariokor for his last rites.
The news of the actor’s demise was made public through a statement on his Facebook page, penned by his older sister, Elizabeth Ouda, and Charli’s fiancée, Ciru Muriuki, who requested privacy during this difficult time.
In a moving tribute, Elizabeth Ouda expressed profound love for her brother, describing him as not only “the best brother but also a client, neighbour, and best friend”.