The community is still reeling from the shocking news of her untimely death, while those closest to her are grappling with their overwhelming grief.
Jocelyn Blak Aende, Marie’s stepmother, was the last person to be with the young woman during her final moments.
“I am Jocelyn Blak Aende. I am Marie’s stepmum. It is not easy for me to eulogise our girl because no amount of words can explain our bond, attachment, history and the shared vision we had. So I will give my short highlight and relive our last moments together,” she said amidst tears during a requiem mass.
She recounted the harrowing experience of trying to administer first aid, which lasted nearly 30 minutes, while they awaited help.
In tears, Jocelyn shared her emotional struggle to articulate the pain of losing Marie.
Jocelyn continued to describe the traumatic moments they faced, revealing that the ambulance took an agonizing hour to arrive.
After frantically attempting to save Marie while on the phone with her sister-in-law, Jocelyn was left heartbroken as she witnessed her stepdaughter’s final moments, expressing her gratitude to those who came to their aid.
“The horrific experience of her last heartbeat is something I don’t have the courage or strength to take you through. I watched Marie take her last breath after 30 minutes of trying instructional first aid from my sister-in-law Diana on the phone while waiting for an ambulance, which took over an hour to arrive. To everyone who came to our rescue, from the estate security officers to our neighbours who helped us rush Marie to the hospital, I don’t know how to thank you, but God will in a special way. My heart bleeds for her dad,” she narrated.
In a poignant reflection, Marie’s father, Blak Aende, spoke about the positive energy that surrounded his daughter until the very end.
Remembering the profound impact Marie had on his life, he said, “I became a dad at 24. After her birth, my life changed completely.”
Blak shared cherished memories of celebrating milestones with Marie, from her first word to her last, which he recalled occurring at 3 am on July 28.
“Her final words were ‘I love you, bruh.’ She used to call me bruh, and I used to call her my love,” he added, expressing the depth of their connection.
Marie Achieng’s tragically short life has left a profound void in the hearts of her family and the entire community.
As they navigate this heartbreaking loss, they are reminded of the fragility of life and the lasting impact that a young person can have on those who love them.
The emotional scars from this tragedy will be felt for a long time as they try to come to terms with the passing of such a vibrant soul.
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