Digital creator Ciru Muriuki has shared an emotional tribute to her late fiancé actor Charles Ouda on his first death anniversary.
In a post on her Instagram account on Monday, February 3, 2025, Ciru reflected on the pain she has experienced since his passing and how much she misses him.
“A year ago today, I learned what pain was. True, devastating, earth-shattering pain. And in the minutes, hours, days since, your absence has taught me yet another lesson; that you were truly the love of my life,” Ciru wrote.
“I hate living without you. I hate not being able to see you. I hate never hearing your voice, your laugh, whatever new nickname you conjured up for me. I hate not creating with you. I hate falling asleep without you. I hate waking up without you. I hate that this is my reality now, this life sentence without parole.”
Ciru also took a moment to reflect on the loss not only to her but to the world.
“I hate that a year ago, the world lost one of its brightest stars,” she shared.
“I love you my king. Always. Always.”
Ciru, Ouda’s love story
Ciru Muriuki delivered a tribute to Ouda, at a memorial vigil on February 14, 2024, held at the Baraza Media Lab.
Muriuki shared how she first noticed Charli years ago when he was still a student at St Mary’s High School. She described being captivated by his smile and stage presence, never imagining that they would later fall in love.
Their relationship began after Muriuki returned to Kenya from the US, initially as “friends with benefits” before evolving into something deeper.
Muriuki expressed that in her entire life, she had never been loved as deeply as Charli loved her.
“Let me tell you guys, I am almost 42 years old and I have never been loved like that. It wasn’t about the grand gestures, it was about the comfort, the easy intimacy, that wonderfully silly friendship between us,” she said.
She also recalled the beautiful moment Charli proposed to her while they were on his couch.
“The night he asked me to marry him, we were on his couch and he was wearing torn leggings and one of his T-shirts and he got down on one knee and I cried, and to date, that is the most beautiful night of my life,” she shared.
Through tears, Muriuki thanked Charli for showing her true love and for being a kind and caring man.
“Thank you for showing me what true love is, thank you for being the perfect example of a gentleman and a real man, thank you for being the kindest man I have ever known. Thank you for looking after me. It is the privilege of my life to have loved and been loved by you. Charlie, I will miss you until I join you,” she stated.
Charles Ouda passed away on the night of Saturday, February 3, 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved actor and a bright presence in the entertainment industry.
A requiem mass was held for the late actor at All Saints Cathedral on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Afterwards, his body was taken to Karikor Crematorium for the final rites.
