The mother of renowned gospel singer Eko Dydda, Linet Atieno Orlando, was solemnly laid to rest on Friday, May 30, 2025, at their home in Siaya, in a heartfelt ceremony attended by close family members, friends, and members of the gospel music fraternity.
The solemn ceremony was marked by emotional tributes and heartfelt messages from family, close friends, fellow gospel artistes, and community members who gathered to pay their last respects to a woman many described as prayerful, generous, and deeply rooted in her faith.
In a video shared on Instagram by YouTuber 2Mbili, who also attended the funeral, the atmosphere was visibly sombre. Mourners, draped in black and white, sat quietly under tents as gospel music played softly in the background. The mood was both reflective and tense, as family members struggled to hold back tears during speeches and tributes.
Eko Dydda, known for his lyrical spirituality and commitment to faith-based music, remained composed but visibly emotional as he took to the podium.
In his tribute, he described his mother as his first teacher, spiritual guide, and greatest encourager — the woman who prayed for him daily and supported his music journey unconditionally.
“She was more than a mother—she was my intercessor, my strength in silence, and my biggest believer,” he said.
Several celebrities in attendance echoed similar sentiments, hailing Linet Atieno as a pillar of faith who had a profound impact on her son’s ministry and on many within the gospel music fraternity.
The service also featured hymns, scripture readings, and moments of prayer led by local clergy, with a focus on celebrating a life well-lived in service to God and community.
As the casket was lowered into the ground, there was a moving silence, broken only by soft sobs and the whispered prayers of those gathered.
Linet’s death
Linet Atieno Orlando passed away on May 8, 2025, a fact that was confirmed personally by Eko Dydda, who mourned her loss with tender and heartfelt words.
He reflected deeply on how his mother had been a profoundly prayerful and God-fearing woman, emphasising that he would continue to hold on to her faith as a source of comfort in these difficult times.
“Goodbye, Mama. Mama Saitoti, this is incredibly hard, Mum. You taught me about God, and now I find myself remaining with Him,” he posted solemnly.
Three days later, on May 11, 2025, he shared another poignant tribute, expressing his belief that God might have granted her many more years to live, had it been His will.
He lamented the fact that he had not been afforded a proper opportunity to say a final goodbye, and prayed earnestly for her soul, admitting that even now he found himself still wishing her a happy Mother’s Day, despite her having passed on.
“I thought God would give you just twenty-four more hours so that I could say goodbye while you were still able to see me,” he wrote with sorrow.
Dydda then revealed that he was still seeking solace, recalling how his mother had been gravely ill back in 1998, a time when he prayed fervently to God to heal her and grant her an additional eight years of life.
He noted that it had now been 27 years since that prayer, and expressed deep gratitude that God had, in fact, granted them far more time together, urging those who hear his story to continue praying for her soul to find peaceful rest in eternity.
“You always wanted to see the ‘fat’ version of me—well, now I am indeed ‘fat’, Mama. But I thank God. When I prayed in 1998 for Him to give you eight more years, He gave us twenty-seven. I will not complain—I am truly grateful. Happy Mother’s Day. Rest in peace, Mama Kings.”
