Clay! Clay! Where do I start, we're so heartbroken!

This seems so surreal! Only God can heal us.

I got to know Clay through my husband, Peter Mbugua, his cousin, with whom they grew together like brothers. This is one brotherhood I can attest to - the love, the outpouring of hearts to each other, the commitment to seeing each other win and scale greater heights.

I remember when we were planning our wedding, Clay was all in, that was when I first encountered his great heart- going all out to see to it that everything would work out smoothly. In one instance he joined me in going to the would-be wedding venue for a service so as to get a glimpse of how the sound would be. His simple but sacrificial action made me see a dimension in him that is so amazing. A person who can go great miles for you, sacrifice to see you achieve your goals is indeed unforgetable! Clay was one such person. This is one quality that made many entrust him.

He carried people's loads like his own. He loved one and all with a passion. When my husband needed to do a project, he would discuss with him knowing with Clay on board you can bet the project and plans would succeed and with the excellence deserved. He shuned mediocrity, laxity and indecisiveness everywhere to push for the best of everything. I got to know Maxeen, Clay's amazing wife, through him and you could see the love and joy they share, the great emulatable example they gave, even in their marriage.

Clay gave his best, he lived a full life, pouring himself into relationships, both family and friends, projects and anything that fell into his hands. We can attest to that. We enjoyed our family moments, sharing in the joy, laughter and humour- his great humour is something my brother Dennis fondly remembers of Clay, right from our ruracio.

Clay loved and served God with his all. He has indeed left an indelible mark. The loss is unfathomable. May the Lord grant us the strength, comfort and divine healing only He can offer. God remains our anchor, we trust Him in everything, we are grateful for the time on earth He accorded us with Clay. Blessed be His holy name. Amen.

Rest well bro

I got to be a part of a very amazing non charity called the Open Palm foundation, spearheaded at the time by Mbugua and his amazing wife Maxeen. I got to interact with him countless times during the trips to various children's homes and I must say he was a guy who I knew for sure I could trust. Your love for your family still inspires me and your industrious nature forced me to work harder without you telling me to do so in the first place. Your actions spoke loudly in a way that impacted everyone you've met in a very big way . I wish I gave you your flowers when you were still here. Rest in power brother. Till we meet again

May he rest in peace till we meet again

I can't recall The exact point in time when I knew you. But our mothers have been friends for decades.

However, I recall the first days, must've been in the Band. I used to do the PowerPoint Presentations for service. You used to play.
Then you needed help with your laptop.
That's when you started calling me MD.
Initially it was uncomfortable because it was the weirdest shortening of my name to that point. But it was only you who used it. And I grew into it.
Always with the enthusiastic greetings when we met.
Comparing notes on a couple of things.

Then you called me aside one day to tell me you'd be getting married soon.
And that you'd have liked for me to be the photographer, together with my team.
And your straightforwardness came out. We'll do X Y Z in the order ABC. Tell me what you need.
And that solidified our friendship. We were on the same page.

And you looked out for me in more ways than one from then on.

Then you called me to tell me you're getting into Photography. And my heart lit up.

Life did that thing that it does, where it shows you dust and months go by and you realise you haven't talked to someone in a bit.
And your conversations are reduced to"we should meet. I'll come to the office. "
And that was our last conversation when I bumped into you. We were both distracted but that was the main topic. We should meet.

I've been having your voice in my head Calling my name. "MD" and seeing pictures of you everywhere with your smile.
And I've been very confused.
It took me a lot to write this. Because I also don't know how this will reach you. If ever.
But I'm really sad. This isn't how I expected things to go.

You were a good friend. And I'm glad that our paths crossed.

Rest, Carlclay Margnyams. Rest.

We hope for God's grace and warmth as we come to terms with your sudden demise.

https://youtu.be/l-7gJjsQ_qE