Profile photo of Stephen Otembo

Stephen Otembo

AprApril 4th, 1958 OctOctober 8th, 2025
Nairobi, Kenya
Stephen Otembo

"For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light." - Luke 8:17

Obituary

Stephen Omoto Otembo
1958 – 2025

We announce the passing of Stephen Omoto Otembo, who went to be with the Lord on 8th October 2025 in Nairobi, aged 67. Born on 4th April 1958, Stephen lived a life that enriched and touched the lives of many around him. His unwavering spirit and vibrant energy will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

Stephen was the beloved son of the late Daniel Omoto Otembo and Gladys Nalukwego. A cherished husband, he shared his life with Christine Otembo and Maryam Yusuf. Together, they created a large and loving family. Stephen was a devoted father to his children Luiza, Daniel, Sulmon, Jackie, Nadia, and Beza, whom he adored and cherished. His legacy and spirit will live on through them.

A man of many passions, Stephen was renowned for his love of music, hockey and chess, and he was admired for his speed as a runner. He found simple joys in playing pool and could often be found enjoying the rhythm of life with a cigarette in hand, reflecting on cherished memories and dreams yet to be fulfilled. It was his daughters, however, who truly captivated his heart, and his pride in them was evident to all.

His warmth and generosity extended beyond family, as he was a brother to the late Dorack, Sam, and David Otembo, and to Patrick and Peter Otembo. Stephen's sense of family included not just his immediate kin but also his dear friends, the Leteipan Family, Douglus, and Immanuel, amongst many others.

Stephen also took great joy in his role as a grandfather, offering wisdom and love to his grandchildren. As an uncle, he will be fondly remembered by James, Philip, The Dans, Jacinta, Gladys, Nana, Becky, Sophie, and numerous others who cherished his advice and loving presence.

The funeral service will be held at Montezuma Chapel on 15th October 2025, where family and friends will gather to celebrate his extraordinary life.

Stephen Omoto Otembo lived his life with joy, strength, and compassion, touching numerous lives with his kindness and memorable laugh. He leaves behind a tapestry of love and cherished memories that will continue to inspire and bless those who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

EUOLOGY

Euology of the Late Stephen Omoto Otembo

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Stephen Omoto Otembo — a husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend whose presence deeply touched everyone who knew him.
Early Life and Education
Stephen was born on 4th April 1958 at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, the firstborn son of the late Daniel Omoto Otembo and Gladys Nalukwago Otembo. He was brother to the late Dorack Otembo, the late Samson Otembo, Patrick Otembo, the late David Otembo, and Peter Otembo.
He began his education at St. Augustine School in Port Reitz, Mombasa, later joining Nakuru West Primary School and Nakuru Day Secondary School, where he completed his secondary education.With a growing passion for construction, he pursued a Higher Diploma in Construction Engineering through correspondence with Cambridge University, London, which he completed in 1982.
Career and Work Ethic
Stephen’s professional journey began in Nakuru, where he worked as a trainee supervisor at Precast Portal Construction Structures Co. Ltd. His early projects included the development of the Senior Ex-Chief Kionange Housing Estate in Nakuru.
In 1978, he joined Kudan Singh Construction Company in Kitale, contributing to major projects such as Milimani Estate and Bungoma Bus Park.His career continued to flourish when he moved to Nairobi, where he founded his own company — Westwood Construction Co. Ltd — alongside his longtime friend Charles Litepan. Through the years, Stephen’s work extended beyond Kenya to Uganda, Arusha, Zanzibar, and the UK, leaving a lasting legacy of craftsmanship and integrity.
He also worked for the Canadian and US Embassies as a maintenance manager, and later founded Scott’s Plumbing before continuing with Mutonga Construction in Mombasa. His excellence and reliability earned him great respect within the engineering and construction community.
In his later years, Stephen’s career saw him excel at Breezes Beach Resort in Zanzibar, CPS Fumba, and Zuri Hotel, before serving as Head of Construction Engineers and QS Consultant with Skyline Construction. Colleagues fondly referred to him as Boss Steve — a man of calm authority, precision, and mentorship.
Faith
Stephen was a man guided by faith. He was a member of the Baptist Church until 1987, when he joined the Miracle Revival Fellowship Pentecostal Church, where he continued to grow spiritually and serve faithfully.
Family and Personal Life
Stephen married Christine in 1982 at the Baptist Church, Nairobi, and together they were blessed with three children — Luiza, Dan, and Sule.He was a devoted father, always speaking fondly of his family and referring to Christine lovingly as “my good wife.”
Years later, he met Maryam in 2003 while working at Breezes Beach Resort. What began as a professional acquaintance soon blossomed into a deep and enduring companionship. Their love endured time and distance, culminating in marriage on February 19, 2010, in Dar es Salaam. Together, they shared fifteen years of marriage marked by mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering partnership. To Maryam, he was not just a husband but a confidant, a compass, and a source of strength.
Health and Resilience
In 2018, Stephen suffered a mild stroke — a challenge he met with courage and grace. With treatment in Bangkok, Thailand, and unwavering family support, he made a strong recovery, resuming his work with renewed determination.In August 2024, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, a battle he faced with quiet strength and faith. Despite multiple operations and treatments in Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and finally Kenyatta Hospital, Nairobi, he continued to show resilience and gratitude, never losing hope or his characteristic humor.
Legacy
Stephen’s life was defined not only by his accomplishments but by his character — a man of deep integrity, generosity, and calm presence. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a supportive brother, and a mentor to many. His kindness, discipline, and humility left an enduring mark on all who knew him.
He taught those around him to live with purpose, work with honesty, and face life’s storms with faith and courage.Stephen’s legacy lives on in his children, his extended family, his colleagues, and the countless lives he influenced through his work and his heart.
Farewell
To those who loved him — family, friends, and colleagues — Stephen remains a guiding light, a reminder that strength is found in love, humility, and perseverance.Though he is gone, his memory will forever dwell in our hearts.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Timeline

1992
Born
Born in Mulago Hospital
Kampala, Uganda

Gallery


Memory wall

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October 15, 2025
Condolensces
Daniel Otembo

Family tree

Daniel Stephen Omoto Otembo
Gladys Nalukwego
Christine Otembo
Maryam Yusuf
Dorack Otembo
Samson Otembo
Luiza Banafa Otembo (Waheeda)
Children
Jibril Banafa
Jameel Banafa
Jaleel Banafa
Daniel Omoto Otembo
Sulmon Bahati Otembo
Jackie Otembo
Nadia Otembo
Patrick Otembo
David Omoto
Peter Aura Otembo
Dorack Otembo
Samson Otembo
Patrick Otembo
David Omoto
Peter Aura Otembo
Christine Otembo
Maryam Yusuf
Luiza Banafa Otembo (Waheeda)
Jibril Banafa
Jameel Banafa
Jaleel Banafa
Daniel Omoto Otembo
Sulmon Bahati Otembo
Jackie Otembo
Nadia Otembo
Stephen Otembo

Favorites


What was Stephen's favorite Drink?
Tusker, Smirnoff Vodka
What was Stephen's favorite Game to play?
Chess, Hockey
What was Stephen's favorite Music / Song?
 The Beatles, Bryan Adams, Kenny G, Na G, 3 Degrees, Osibisa, UB40, Mariah Carey, Elton John, Daniel, Sulaimon, Neil Diamond Sweet Caroline, Sade, Ali Kiba, Millie Jackson
What was Stephen's favorite Food or Dish?
Nyamachoma, Christine signature Chapatis, matoke, groundnut soup, chicken sommersault, Bananas
What was Stephen's favorite TV show?
Judge Judy, Mcee Exodus
What was Stephen's favorite Restaurant?
Stakehouse, Carnivore
What was Stephen's favorite Color?
Blue
What was Stephen's favorite Local spot?
Plan B Nairobi West, 680 Hotel, Simmers
Fun fact about Stephen:
Very humourous even when he was gravely ill. Very blunt and straightforward, but very mindful of other peoples feelings. 
What was Stephen's favorite Book?
Sydney Sheldon Books
What was Stephen's favorite Quote or Saying?
It is what it is, Tough luck, Piss Off, Deal with it, I will deal with you cacaphoniously
What was Stephen's favorite Travel destination?
London, UK
What cause was important to Stephen?
Philanthropy
What was Stephen's favorite Sports Team?
Simba FC
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