Daniel Koikai who is the father to late Njamby Koikai has expressed regret for not being by his daughter during her lowest moments.

Speaking during her memorial service, Mr Koikai came out clean revealing his short comings as a dad who was absent for his child – despite knowing her struggle with endometriosis that finally claimed her life.

Dear Njambi, my daughter the time has come for me to atone for my acts of omission and commission on your final journey from this world. It has been one of the most difficult episodes of my life, especially for your close family, your mother, sisters, aunts, uncles, media colleagues and friends in and outside the country. He started off.

According to Mr Koikai, their daddy daughter relationship was mostly affected by work abroad where he worked as an ambassador.

Reflecting back

Although having not been present in her life, Mr Koikai revealed she still remained in his heart, reflecting back to when Njambi’s mum, Stella Wambui Kanogo blessed with his first child – when she gave birth to Njambi.

Stella and I were living in Riruta Satellite when we started our friendship and you were conceived in 1985. She gave birth to you on 24 January 1986. The first time I saw you, you were about four months old. He went on to narrate.

From his eulogy Mr Koikai talked about their on and off relationship saying he still holds on to the times when things were good between them.

When times were good, we would go shopping and have lunch at some of the restaurants in town, and you really enjoyed those encounters. I really miss the good times we shared together. Mr Koikai added.

All is well

Recounting back to their last encounter, Mr Koikai shared a text he had received from Njambi on 2nd June 2024, a day before she finally rested.

I take comfort in the message you sent me on Sunday 2 June 2024 after I visited you, in which you said the following: “Hello Dad, I hope you have arrived home safely. So I’ll be needing the orange juice. Red Berry from Del Monte and some fresh orange and tree tomato juice. The doctors are here so I have to go and we will talk tomorrow. It was great to see you and reconnect. she texted him.

Having not been there for her as he should have, Mr Koikai apologized for burdening Njambi’s mum with the responsibility of catering to their daughter; something he now terribly regrets.

I left the burden to your mother. The instances where I failed you in many ways to stand by you as you fought endometriosis, I regret immensely. It is too late for regrets. I can only live with the reality that I failed you when you needed me most, and I’m not proud of my behaviour at all. He said.

To finish off, Mr Koikai celebrated his daughter’s wins saying her legacy will forever live on as she was a shinning star that couldn’t be dimed.

You have been a shining beacon for many, and your legacy must continue. I will endeavour to play my part in keeping your legacy alive. He said.