Nairobi News

Media personality Ciru Muriuki bid a symbolic farewell to her fiancé, Charles Ouda, during his body viewing session at All Saints Cathedral a few minutes after a church service to commemorate his life and legacy.

Engaged to Charli just five months before his unexpected passing, Ciru kissed the casket as she said her final goodbye to her beloved.

Kissing a casket for a late lover is a symbolic gesture of saying goodbye, love, and respect to the deceased.

Also read: Bye bye baba! Charles Ouda’s mother pays heartfelt tribute

It’s an expression of grief and the depth of the bond shared with the person who has passed away.

This act may serve as a final farewell and a way to honour the memory of the departed loved one.

In her tribute message, Ciru revealed that she was planning to settle down as a couple later this year before the unfortunate news.

In a heartfelt letter addressed to Charli, Ciru poured out her emotions, beginning with the words:

“My love, I can scarcely believe that I am writing this. Not in the year that you and I were supposed to become man and wife,” Ciru said.

With tears in her eyes, Ciru recounted the unforgettable night when Charli proposed to her.

“I am almost 42 years old and I have never been loved like that. The night he asked me to marry him, we were at his house and I was wearing torn leggings and his t-shirt and he got down on one knee and I cried and to this day, those are the most beautiful nights of my life,” Ciru said fighting tears.

Expressing the depth of their connection, Ciru described Charli as her strength, her cheerleader, and her closest confidant. She reflected on the profound impact he had on her life, emphasising his unwavering love and support.

Also read: Life & Times of Charles Ouda: From bartender in New York to nurturing talent in Kenya

Describing Charli as a man who cared deeply about others, Ciru highlighted his passion, creativity, and generosity. She praised his talents both on and off the stage, portraying him as a mentor and a visionary.

“He cared so deeply about the people and the things he was passionate about. Your genius bled all through your work both on stage and off it. As a creator and a mentor. And what a privilege it was to have had a front-row seat to your greatness.”

Ciru vowed to carry Charli’s love with her always until they were reunited once more.

“I’m not sure how I will be able to move on from this, but it is the honour of my life to have been yours,” she wrote.

“Travel safe, my sweet, eternal love. I will love you until I join you.”

Charli’s immediate family members will proceed to Kariokor for his last rites later today.