Owago Onyiro says grieving his mum is a daily struggle
By Valerian Khakayi, July 11, 2025Kenyan veteran stand-up comedian Byron Otieno, popularly known as Owago Onyiro, has opened up about the emotional toll of losing his mother, describing grief as an ongoing daily battle.
In an emotional Instagram tribute shared on Friday, July 11, 2025, Owago Onyiro elaborated that each day without her presence remains a struggle and that adapting to a life without her has felt anything but easy.
The former Churchill Show comedian also revealed that he called his mother’s phone but did not go through, adding that that’s when he realised she has gone forever
“Learning to live without her presence day by day… It’s not easy at all,” Owago Onyiro said.
“I dialled my mum’s number to say Hi, but she ghosted me for the first time. Then I realised she’s gone forever.”
The comedian’s grief speaks to the universal experience of loss: a push-and-pull between memory, loss, and the challenge of moving forward in her absence.
Owago’s mother
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the veteran comedian announced the passing of his mother after a long battle with sickness.
In an emotional Instagram post, Owago listed the five illnesses she battled before passing on.
“Ooooooooooh, my sweet mum… My first girlfriend. I relocated to the USA because the Kenyan shilling couldn’t afford your 5 chronic diseases.
Such a strong fighter I believed in,” he announced.
“You fought 5 chronic major diseases like a real warrior (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, kidney problems and cervical cancer)……… Kudos Nyar Uyoma Katweng’a, aka KADOGO. You tried your best, Mum……… Sorry, I let you down as a son you fully believed in. REST WELL, MY SWEET MUM,” he said.
He explained why he relocated to the United States and apologised to his mum after her death.
He acknowledged his late mother as a fighter who battled with different chronic illnesses till she breathed her last.
“You fought till the end Mum…….You proved to me that FEAR is a choice but DEATH is real. I tried my best as a son you fully believed in more than doctors………God had better plans for you Mum. Your Legacy will forever be cherished and remembered forever. Rest Easy Min Otis, Min Night, Min Winnie ma jaod Ojana (Phinehas). Till we meet again Mum…….This has hit me so baaaad,” Owago added.