Thursday, April 16, 2009

In Memory of Mzee Abraham Kimitei Boit




Half a decade ago today, we lost one of our instrumental relations.
He was the dear Dad to my Wife and a grand father to our two children, not mentioning the other grand children in Kenya.

I still vividly remember when the sad news were spoken to my hear via the phone by Jeanette brother-in-law, Mr. Tenai. it was a surreal moment.
I was expected to be the bearer of the tragic news to my wife. What had began as a treatable infection, turned out to be fatal. The sequence of the events were so rapid that at the end of it all, it seemed like a fairy tale.

On learning of the event, we changed our energies to comforting and planning for his burial. Unfortunately, Jeanette could not travel home because of our immigration circumstances at the time. Even as they laid him to rest, Jeanette's closure was not complete until months later when she traveled home to find that indeed he was physically departed.

In celebrating his accomplishments, let me sum some of those experiences that impacted me while he still here with us;
Abraham Kimitei Boit or Mzee Abram as folks in the hood refered to him, was an loving and caring father, husband, neighbor and friend. This can be discerned from who his neighbors are at Kapkatet farm. He made his entire clan a part of him investment endeavors.
He was visionary, and a hard worker. He started various initiatives that were far reaching.
He established himself as a compassionate person and was the go to person when any one was need or crisis.
It was partly through his efforts and contributions that Kapkatet primary school and Kapkatet SDA church were established.


Education, hard work and development were his key aspirations. He was convinced that the only way of improving the posterity was through an informed and educated population. He also had the desire of creating opportunities for others through good work ethic. Often his work day began at 5:00 am and did not end until 7:00 pm. He invested most of his efforts in farming, transportation and real estate.
He was loving and caring parent and husband as well, he was very proud of his daughters and sons a like and in fact in his will unlike the cultural practice of his day, he shared his inheritance with his two daughters.

Five years have come and gone, but you continue to inspire us just as if you were still here with us. The core ideals that you cherished - family and nation are still our idealized example. It is our hope that as we remember you today and the days to come, that you continue to rekindle the flame of good citizenry here and in the world to come.

We miss your jokes, smile, advice, company and many stories that you loved sharing about teaching with the second president of the republic of Kenya, Lelmokwo,and...

It is our aspiration to build on all the good principles that you laid down for us while still here. By the way AGUI the grand children are increasing and growing, we will pass the good word on your behalf.

Just brief thoughts from Your Loving son in law - Samedi Pkania

3 comments:

Jeanette said...

what you have written is befitting and perfect, there is no better way I could have summed up who my beloved father was. It was him that made it possible for all of us to even experience this American dream. I love him and miss him so very dearly.
thank you for the beautiful narrative my dear darlin. I love you so! JBK

Jeanette said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carole Lang'at-Fortune said...

Mr Boit was a welcoming soul.Whilst in Baraton i met JBK, and through her the rest of her family. I met JBK's father, and always treated us like his children, and by extension, hi family treated us similarly.
I always felt priviledged to be associated with Kapkatet, and i must say, my time there is fully entrenched in my heart, and has equally shaped my life,just as my own parents did.
I am grateful, and do miss Mr Boit, a very hard working and compassionate person. God bless abundantly.