Diana Rose (centre), the widow of James Oduor, alias Cobra, during his burial at Ukwala, Siaya. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Emotions ran high as tributes poured for one of the victim’s of the recent terrorism attack in Nairobi.

Mourners who were given the opportunity to eulogise James Oduor, alias Cobra, rued the acts of violent extremism and asked the government to beef up security surveillance.

His widow Diana Rose could not hold back tears as she recounted the ordeal of the DusitD2 complex terror attack.

“I am deeply pained; I do not know who will write off the pain for me. I pray that God gives me strength to overcome my deep loss,” she said.

Oduor was widely cheered as a young man of great compassion who loved football from a young age, endearing him to football teams such as Kenya Pipeline.

As his remains were interred, his father Fred Radido, too, shed tears of sorrow as he recalled how his cheerful son lost his life at the hands of cruel fundamentalists.

“All we can say is fare thee well. We loved you but God loved you more. But to the evil doers, revenge is the Almighty’s,” said Radido as he paid his last respects.

Oduor’s mother Margaret Aluoch also shared her emotional experience since she received the sad news of his death.

“It did not occur to me that by the end of the televised news of the attack that my son would later be one of the casualties,” she said.

News that Oduor was one of the victims struck her like a thunderbolt.

Ukwala Deputy County Commissioner Pamela Atieno, who spoke on behalf of State officials, assured the family that perpetrators of the attack were being pursued.

She regretted the untimely demise of Oduor, and said that even the family was going through rough times, only God would indemnify them.

Ms Atieno cautioned residents of Ukwala to be wary of criminal gangs on the prowl especially around Nyadorera.

“We are privy to criminal gangs in this area; we have put them on the radar and soon the law will catch up with them,” she said.

Nyanza leaders led by Siaya Senator James Orengo and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi condemned the act of terror as evil and barbaric. They asked the government to fully deal with terrorism.

This happened as the family cried for justice to prevail in the ongoing investigations.