For the thousands of listeners who tuned into Mayienga FM, Festus Amimo was the commanding voice of the morning. But for Odhiambo Brian Otieno, the late broadcaster was the difference between unemployment and a life-changing breakthrough.

As the media fraternity reels from Amimo’s sudden death on Sunday, December 7, a moving tribute has emerged detailing how the KBC veteran went beyond the call of duty to secure a lucrative placement for a struggling young Kenyan in the gold prospecting sector.

The Brunch That Changed Everything

The relationship began professionally, with Odhiambo attending monthly interviews at the KBC-owned station. However, Amimo saw potential beyond the studio microphone. In a gesture that defies the typical boss-employee dynamic, Amimo invited Odhiambo to his office before taking him for brunch at the historic Norfolk Hotel.

It was here that Amimo, known affectionately as Wuod Awasi, began to mentor the younger man. According to Odhiambo, the broadcaster was struck by his eloquence and urged him to aim higher.

"Wuod Japuonj, think of shifting lanes and coming into the leadership ranks," Amimo reportedly told him. "You've supported these people for a long time, take a shot, you can do it."

From The Studio to The Gold Fields

Amimo’s mentorship was not limited to political advice; it was practical and economic. Recognizing Odhiambo's "dry spell"—a Kenyan euphemism for a period of financial hardship—Amimo leveraged his networks to put food on his mentee's table.

Odhiambo recounted a pivotal meeting at Hotel Boulevard where Amimo introduced him to a team from a gold prospecting company. The firm was in urgent need of a communication consultant.

"Amimo and [a colleague] combined efforts and vouched for me to get the job," Odhiambo revealed. The intervention was immediate and impactful. Odhiambo was tasked with leading a team to Singida, Tanzania, for a week-long assignment.

• The Impact: Odhiambo described the payment from this gig as the "first meaningful amount that shook his account" after a long period of financial struggle.
• The Role: He served as a communication consultant, bridging the gap for the prospecting team in Tanzania.
• The Legacy: The story highlights Amimo's unknown role as a connector who used his influence to empower youth.

A Nation Mourns a Mentor

Amimo’s death has drawn tributes from the highest echelons of government, including Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo and Siaya Governor James Orengo, who described the late journalist as a "calm, collected, and gifted soul."

Yet, it is personal testimonies like Odhiambo’s that paint the truest picture of the man. While the official reports confirm his body was transferred from Nairobi Funeral Home to Montezuma Funeral Home, the real story lies in the careers he quietly built behind the scenes.

"He didn't just give me a platform on radio; he introduced me to money sources," Odhiambo noted, capturing the essence of a mentor who understood that in Kenya, true leadership is about empowering others to earn a living.