Who is Marie Achieng’s step mum?
“I am Jocelyn Blac Aende, Marie’s stepmother. It’s incredibly difficult for me to eulogize our girl because no words can truly capture the bond, attachment, and shared vision we had. I will share a brief highlight and relive our last moments together,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Jocelyn recalled picking Marie up after she completed her KCSE exams. “I remember picking Marie up from Buruburu Girls on her final day, with her dad, who was thrilled about this major milestone. Our prayers were answered; she started and finished school without any issues. As part of our family tradition, we went to our usual Pizza Inn in Buruburu and gave her an open cheque to enjoy whatever she wanted. That day, she ate heartily and took home a lot of takeaway food for her siblings,”
Jocelyn shared, her tears reflecting the deep love she had for Marie.
Did Marie Achieng’s stepmum administer first aid?
Jocelyn reflected on how their relationship grew stronger over time. She recalled meeting Marie for the first time and how, from then on, their bond deepened each day.
“Our conversations and connection matured as the years went by. Marie wasn’t just a stepdaughter; from the tender age of seven, when I entered her life, we clicked immediately, and she became my close friend. Through her, I learned so much about motherhood. Marie and her siblings were inseparable.”
Jocelyn also recounted the tragic final moments with the 19-year-old, describing her attempt to administer first aid for nearly 30 minutes.
“The ambulance took almost an hour to arrive, and watching Marie take her last breath was a scene I can hardly bear to recall. I tried to follow first aid instructions from my sister-in-law, Diana, while waiting. To everyone who helped us, from the estate security officers to our neighbors who assisted in getting Marie to the hospital, I am deeply grateful, though I struggle to find the right words. God will bless you in a special way. My heart aches for her dad,” Jocelyn said through her tears.