Journalist Ciru Muriuki tenderly reminisced about their cherished moments with her fiancée, the late actor Charles ‘Charli’ Ouda, and the profound impact he had on her life during a heartfelt memorial vigil at the Baraza Media Lab on February 14.
In a poignant address to the somber gathering, Ciru painted a vivid picture of their enduring love story, which began over two decades ago when she first laid eyes on Charli during his time at St Mary’s School. Little did she know then that their paths would intersect again in the future.
“The first time I saw Charlie on stage was several years ago when he was still at St Mary’s. I was struck by his handsome appearance and that captivating smile,” she recalled fondly.
Their fateful reunion occurred upon Charli’s return from New York, where they rekindled their acquaintance and gradually developed a profound friendship that blossomed into a deep and undeniable love over two decades later.
“I had just lost my father the year before and was trying to find my way. He and I started a friendship that later evolved into something more profound. After a while, it became evident that there was a special bond between us,” Ciru shared, her voice tinged with emotion.
With tears welling in her eyes, Ciru recounted the unforgettable night when Charli proposed to her in September 2023, a moment etched in her memory as one of unparalleled beauty and love.
“I am almost 42 years old and I have never experienced love like that. The night he asked me to marry him, we were at his house, and I was wearing torn leggings and his T-shirt. He got down on one knee, and I cried tears of joy. To this day, those are the most beautiful moments of my life,” Ciru reminisced, her emotions raw.
In addition to sharing tender moments, Ciru also illuminated the essence of their life together, where simple pleasures like homemade sandwiches and cocktails were enjoyed alongside their shared guilty pleasure of watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Reflecting on Charli’s profound influence, Ciru spoke passionately about his visionary spirit and his capacity to cultivate within her a deeper appreciation for the arts.
“Watching every film became an educational experience as he meticulously analyzed storylines, highlighted the quality of the writing, and delved into every aspect of filmmaking,” she added.
Charli was reported to have died by suicide on the night of 3rd of February, 2024. He is set to be cremated today (15.02.2024) at the Kariokor Crematorium. He was a renowned actor known for his roles in TV shows like Makutano Junction, Salem, Second Family, and more.
