Laying down your Life for your Friends – Remembering Firefighter Obego, Nairobi Fire Service

By José – AFM Fire Safety Advocate, Kenya

“Help me to honor firefighter Obego fire engine operator of Nairobi fire who passed on 17th February 2020 at Nairobi West Hospital after a short illness. His selfless service to Nairobians and humanity at large will never be forgotten.”

Obego, as he was fondly called by his peers in the fire house, was a highly skilled gentleman with 30 years in the fire service. He was an operator (driver) and pump operator.  He was also a certified mechanic who would fix the fire engine when it broke down and needed repairs on it. Cadet Officer Obego was a selfless man. I remember him for a cheerful gentleman who would lift up one’s spirit whenever you went visiting the firehouse. As soon as you asked him of a certain fire that happened long time ago, he narrated the story and you would fill thrill run through your spine as if you were in the scene on that day. Operator Obego attended the August 7, 2007 bomb blast at the United States Embassy. He also attended the Hazmat fire at KEMSA medical storage facility at the industrial area where about five firefighters were rushed to the Nairobi West Hospital because of inhaling Ethanol from the stored medicine. Obego was at the Sinai oil spill fire at the Kwa Ruben slums that killed 95 people.  He was on hand for many national tragedies in Kenya during his 30year tenure.

Obego succumbed to lung cancer from his many years of fire service. My big brother Obego, thank you for your service. We’ll take it from here. Rest in Peace.  

When I learned of the news of Obego’s death, I met with Chief Fire Officer, Brain Kisali and Deputy Fire Chief Mboya to know what burial arrangements they have for our hero. During the meeting I gave my heartfelt condolences and asked to be given permission to raise money to support the funeral expenses that the family would undergo. Funerals in Africa can be extremely expensive and Obego had three wives and thirteen children. 

We rallied firefighters and first responders who were in the group to contribute 300 Kenya Shillings ($3) each to support the expenses. These were volunteer and career firefighters from various stations across the nation. Within a span of one week, we managed to rise up to 20,200Kenya Shillings ($202) which I got the privilege of handing over to Obego’s wives and brother in front of a guard of honor from International College Of Technology in Thika Fire Students. I was impressed by the overwhelming brotherhood that was bestowed to a firefighter who most of the firefighters had not met. The virtue of the firefighters learning that one of them was down, everyone was hands on deck to support overwhelmed me with courage. 

This was the first time the Kenyan fire service has come together to honor a fallen comrade.   I am honored to be a part of what I hope will be a new tradition in the fire service.  Honoring the firefighters that serve their communities.