Prof. John Oyaro Oucho

Appreciation

The family of the late Prof. John Oyaro Oucho, and the staff of The African Migration and Development Policy Centre (AMADPOC) and Dapi Wells (Kisumu), wish to express their sincere gratitude to all relatives, friends and well-wishers who stood with us during our untimely loss of Prof. which occurred at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, at 1pm on Saturday 5th August 2017. Despite the tensions surrounding the 2017 General Elections, you graciously found time for us, giving support in many ways. Kindly accept our heartfelt appreciation, even as we thank Almighty God for holding our hands and leading us in celebration of Prof. Oucho’s life and great contributions to humanity.

Special thanks go to Dr. Eric Othieno Nyanjom who rushed ‘Prof’ to hospital, visited daily until he rested in Uyoma, Kabudha, Ragengni. Special thanks for prayers and spiritual guidance go to Rev. Stewart Odhiambo (St. Marks Church, Westlands), Fr Dominic Wamugunda (St. Pauls Chapel, Nairobi), Rev. William Ooko Ndege of Tido Parish Kanyawegi, Kisumu, Rev. Ololo of St. Johns Church, Ragengni, and to Bishop Prof. David H. Kodia of Bondo Diocese who presided over the final service.

Additionally, we thank members of the HOKIMS Ltd., University of Nairobi, who walked with the family throughout Prof’s last journey, Prof. Eric Mitema who hosted the fund-raising at Nairobi’s United Kenya Club, graced by H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o who also travelled to Prof’s Ragengni final resting place, and to the Rarieda MP, Otiende Amolo. Gratitude is also due to United Nations family who visited in Nairobi and Uyoma, and to Topi Lyambila and the Media Crew for a coverage well done.

In death, Prof was acknowledged by a peer Diaspora from Bangladesh, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Holland, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States and Zambia, amongst other countries, through telephone calls, SMS, tributes, cards, etc.

We also express gratitude to Doyen of Migration Studies service providers, including Lee Funeral Home (Flora), Jayne Okumu of Oakmart Caterers, and Mr. Mageto of Gefema Tours. Finally, we thank the local Chief, Oyucho and other members of the Siaya County Government for the security and support provided.

Prof. Oucho was a great husband, father, relative, friend, teacher, mentor, guardian and a special companion. He may have left us in body; but he lives on in his family, ideas, books, students, peers, and in the very many realms within which he interacted. We celebrate you Prof. John Oyaro Oucho! We loved you very much; but God loved you more! Rest in Peace till we meet again!

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” 1Thessalonians 4:13-14

Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, or glory in the flower. We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind. -William Wordsworth