Nyaboke Moraa, the acclaimed Kenyan actress, and her former partner Blak Aende recently held a deeply emotional memorial service for their late daughter, Marrie Achieng, who passed away on July 28 at the age of 19. The service, which took place at CITAM Embakasi, was attended by family, friends, and supporters who gathered to celebrate Marrie’s life and legacy.
During the memorial, Nyaboke Moraa delivered a poignant tribute, reflecting on her relationship with Marrie and the profound impact of her passing. For the first time since her daughter’s death, Nyaboke shared intimate details about their lives together, expressing both her grief and cherished memories.
“I first met Marrie in 2005 at exactly 3 PM,” Nyaboke recalled, her voice laden with emotion. “She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen.” Despite being a teenager herself at the time of Marrie’s birth, Nyaboke and Blak Aende were thrilled at the arrival of their daughter.
Nyaboke fondly reminisced about the early days of motherhood, recounting moments of both joy and struggle. She recalled the times Marrie would cry as a baby, leading to light-hearted exchanges with her father about who would comfort her. “I gave birth to her when I was still in my teens,” Nyaboke said. “She used to cry, and her father would often jest about who would console her.”
The actress spoke about the deep bond she shared with Marrie, noting how her daughter was a source of strength and support. “We had very beautiful memories,” Nyaboke reflected. “My heart is broken. I don’t know how to let go of my child. I remember times when I would be feeling down, and she would comfort me, saying, ‘Mum, you’re not a bad person, just that people can be unkind.’ Marrie was truly a good child.”
Nyaboke’s grief was palpable as she struggled with the reality of her daughter’s death. “My heart is broken,” she said through tears. “I don’t know how to tell my child to rest in peace. I still can’t believe she’s gone. I lack the strength to tell her to rest in peace.”
At the memorial, Marrie’s childhood friend Debra delivered a touching eulogy, remembering Marrie’s warm personality and sense of humor. “From the first day we met, Marrie was a walking and talking bundle of joy and occasional chaos,” Debra said. “Her humor and spirit made her a friend to be cherished.”
Nyaboke Moraa and Blak Aende are continuing to cope with their loss, finding solace in the support of their loved ones and the fond memories of their daughter.
