Prof. Eric Odada

I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Prof. Prof was my employer and from 2003 I never managed to meet him again. It was through employment with him that I acquired a very nice by all standards then. In this world we are truly sojourners. As he rests from all his work on earth, may his good memories and impacts on our lives, live on. Pole to entire family may God fill the void left by prof.

I flew to Nairobi to interview Eric for my independent film Anthropocene in 2015. This included half a dozen of the world's top thinkers speculating about our common planetary future (summary at www.anthropocenethemovie.com).
I was about to reach out to the Professor to ask permission to include some further thoughts of his for a follow-up book when I read here of his sad passing. This is a loss to his family, friends and colleagues and also to the rest of the word.
We spent a happy day together over lunch and then looking for the right place to film over the Rift Valley. He was very patient and also extremely eloquent and concerned - but in a positive way - about where our species is heading.
I would still love to include Eric in my book and if anyone from the family can contact me in due course about how I can do so I am in the UK at sbflaxmoor@aol.com. Meantime I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Steve Bradshaw
www,steve-bradshaw.com

Uncle Erick, I knew you as a very dependable person. Mama Leah spoke so well of you and for sure when I finally met you, I affirmed how you valued relationships. You encouraged me to pursue education. You helped many to attain this. May God comfort the family till that resurrection morning

Dear Prof.,

As I sit back and read the countless memories and tributes shared by those whose lives you touched, I realize they are a true reflection of a life well lived and of genuine greatness.

Thank you for the precious moments we shared. I will always treasure them. I'll frame them photos, not just as memories, but as a reminder that a part of you will always remain with us.

It was truly an honor and a privilege to have you as my uncle. Rest well, Prof. Your legacy will live on in all of us.

Prof E. Odada was all but a jovial person, sharing and welcoming. I remember the time he invited me and a number of my colleagues from the DRC to Naivasha in 2003 to take part on the multidisciplinary training program on tropical lakes. We felt home and enjoyed greatly his presence and team. He will forever be in my memory.

A great and knowledgeable personality. With his greatness he showed love and humility.

Had good working relationship with him from Ghana. How are the mighty falling.

When I first met Professor Odada, I was impressed by the simplicity with which he shared his ideas and how easily he related to people.
May God be with the family he leaves behind.

With profound sorrow, I learned of the untimely passing of Professor Eric Odada. Our professional relationship spanned several decades, culminating in the joint organization and co-direction of numerous summer schools—supported by the Volkswagen Foundation—for doctoral students from across eastern Africa.

During these events, Professor Odada consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to cover a wide range of topics, from climate and the environment to human studies, in his introductory lectures. These lectures served as the foundation for the summer schools, and we carried his spirit throughout the weeks of teaching and learning together as we moved from station to station, despite his occasional inability to join us in the field.

He was an unwavering source of inspiration, helping me to contextualize my research within a broader framework, with a particular emphasis on the country and continent where my research found its roots. I will forever cherish his memory and fondly recall the time we spent together, dating back to our initial meeting over three decades ago.

Martin H. Trauth
Professor of Paleoclimate Dynamics
University of Potsdam, Germarny

With you Prof., I felt complete. A friend, advisor, teacher, dad and client. Surely this fallen hero is hard to find, difficult to let go and impossible to forget. Thank you for the marks you left in me and the slogan "THE BEST IS GOOD ENOUGH" Nind gi kwe KER OWADGI ABELLA.

A Tribute to My Beloved Brother, Prof. Eric Odada.

The Big Tree Has Fallen;

Today, my heart is heavy as I bid farewell to my dear brother, Prof. Eric Odada. The big tree has fallen. A mighty pillar in our family has been taken from our sight, and the void left behind is profound and painful.
Eric was more than a brother; he was a source of strength, wisdom, and inspiration. He stood tall in our family, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. His life was a testimony to hard work, integrity, and service. Through his achievements and character, he embodied the bloodline of excellence that runs through the Odada family. He carried our family name with honor and distinction, leaving footprints that will inspire generations to come.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well lived—a life that touched countless hearts, transformed lives, and brought pride to all who knew him. Though death has silenced his voice, the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to speak for him.
To my dear sister-in-law, Mrs. Jane Odada, and to the children, my deepest condolences. No words can fully heal the pain of losing a loving husband, father, and friend. Yet, I pray that God, in His infinite mercy, will surround you with His peace and comfort. May He grant you strength for each day, courage for every tomorrow, and hope that reaches beyond the grave. For those who trust in the Lord, death is not the end; it is a transition into eternal rest in His presence.
To the entire Odada family, let us hold firmly to our faith. Even in this season of sorrow, let us remember that God is still God. He remains sovereign, faithful, and in control. Though we may not understand His ways, we can trust His heart. He walks with us through the valley of grief and promises never to leave nor forsake us.
I pray that the Lord will bind the Odada family together in love during this difficult time. May He grant us wisdom as we navigate the days ahead, grace to support one another, and hearts that will continue to cherish and uphold the values that Eric lived for. May love be our strength and unity our comfort.
Farewell, my dear brother. Your journey on earth is complete, but your legacy endures. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and left this world better than you found it. We will miss your presence, your counsel, your smile, and your love.
Until we meet again, may you rest in the eternal arms of our Lord.
May your soul rest in perfect peace, Prof. Eric Odada.
With love, sorrow, and gratitude,

DORCAS ODADA.

I was shocked to learn about Prof’s demise. The late Professor was my first proper employer after my undergraduate degree. I worked with him at ACCESS (University of Nairobi) from February 2014 – June 2015. As an early career researcher, though in a different field from his, I learnt a lot from him around fieldwork planning, collaborating with international teams and research writing.

I was particularly amused by his brilliance and sharp memory. His presence was dominant and he oozed wisdom. I was inspired by the way he was meticulous with his tasks - he would edit more than 90% of the email content I drafted for him, which made me re-evaluate my knowledge of English every other week. To me, he was like a soft-spoken father who gave very clear instructions and corrected gently. For the one and half years that I worked with him, I never heard him shout.

One thing I have never fathomed is how he afforded to stay calm even after advising the UN Secretary General on environmental matters! Although he was a person of high class, he always popped into our office before proceeding to his, checking how everyone was doing and sharing jokes.

I am most grateful to him for giving me ample time to complete my masters project by making my work schedules flexible for a period of three months. In addition, I will never forget the gift he got me for my wedding, a Sony home theater, which I keep to-date.

Indeed, his family and academia have lost a great man; but his legacy will live on forever.

Dearest Uncle Eric!
You have left us but so many cherished memories remain. You were such a blessing to the Odada family. When all your siblings sadly departed and Kwaru and Dani were no more, you stepped in the role of head of the larger family with such grace and courage. You embraced us all as your children, warmly welcoming us to your home, giving us advice, condoling with us in our losses. You were always the steadfast rock we turned to and I will always appreciate your wise and gentle counsel. Soft spoken you were but you also had a firmness that earned my respect.

When I look back at your life, I never stop to be amazed. How did you manage to rise so high from such humble beginnings? What strength of character made you study to the highest level and to become the acclaimed Professor that you are. "Give your children a good education", you would say, the rest will be up to them".
I listened, I learned.

I never got tired of hearing stories of your past village life which you told with such humour. Then again there were stories of your high profile life, rubbing shoulders with the "who's who" of the world. Some I found hard to believe. "Ai uncle", I would tell you "kanyo timedo gi chumbi!" (you've added salt). Then you'd take out the picture of you & Kofi Annan, the then UN Secretary General or proudly display the Christmas card you received from the Queen of the Netherlands. And I would be amazed. So you were not exaggerating after all!

Your amazing tales of all the countries you lived in or travelled to kept me captivated. Did you really speak with Putin in fluent Russian at one of your global meetings? Can you really speak Swedish to my Nyawanas?

You were so proud of your Sakwa bloodline! Great people they are you told me and I believe you. Your stories of Meme Nyoteko our strong great grandmother and her brother Ojijo Oteko our hero great grandfather who resisted the colonial government imposing unfair taxes on the citizens. You were always interesting to listen to. How I wish you had written that book you always said you would write!

Go in peace Uncle Eric. I have faith that one day I will see you on the beautiful shore.

Your loving niece
Lynette Dawa
(Alleni, Kondito, Nyakewa, Nya Gingo)

I would be remiss not to mention your passion for landscaping. You always took the time to create beauty around you, turning every space into something warm, welcoming, and full of life. It was one of the many ways you expressed love quietly, consistently, and with your hands.

To my father (Daddy as I often called you)

It’s hard to put into words what you mean to me. Throughout my days, I find myself thinking of you in the smallest moments. So much of who I am is a reflection of you.

Whenever someone compliments my handwriting, I smile. I remember all the times you made me redo my homework because my writing was “unreadable.” I have you to thank for my penmanship. And every time I pile my plate high with tomatoes, I laugh knowing that you and I are probably the only two people who consider a plate of tomatoes a nutritious meal. We singlehandedly kept the ketchup companies in business.

And then there was our love for chocolate. It was never a real business trip unless we came home with a box one to share and one for our secret stash. Thank you for always sharing yours with me.

We both loved a clean space and good music. Only you could love both Lingala and country music with equal passion. And of course, Christmas morning never truly began until your Christmas music was blasting through the house.

Daddy, you were a man of stories. People loved sitting with you, listening to your adventures. You lived a full and beautiful life, and you wanted the same for your children. Thank you for giving us everything you could, no matter the sacrifice. My life is a testimony to the choices you and Mummy made, and for that we are eternally grateful.

I am so grateful that God chose you to be my father. He gave me a dad who showed me what it means to love a daughter. You set the standard. I pray I can give my children the same sense of love, safety, and joy you gave me. I watched you live with courage, strength, and wisdom, and in your final days, I watched your faith deepen. While we loved you dearly, I know God loved you more, and He called you home to rest.

Daddy, you have faithfully finished your race. May you rest in peace.

Always and forever,
Your little girl. (Nyakabola)