- Chief Inspector Maureen Orao balanced her demanding police duties with full-time caregiving for her husband, Jared Odoyo Malela
- Jared passed away after a seven-month-long battle with cancer, leaving his beloved wife a widow with four children
- Orao shared with TUKO.co.ke her painful yet inspiring journey of nursing her sick husband and how life changed after his death
From the outside, people see a chief inspector as a strong and authoritative woman responsible for maintaining law and order. But behind closed doors, only her family and close friends knew the immense battles she had been fighting.
Source: UGC
For seven months, chief inspector Maureen Orao balanced her demanding police duties with caring for her dying husband and looking after their four children.
Now a widow and mother of four, she has found the courage to move forward despite the devastating loss and is sharing her story to inspire others who have faced similar challenges.
Inspector Orao was married to the late Tom Mboya University Academic Registrar, Jared Odoyo Malela, who passed away on September 11, 2025.
The 46-year-old, taken too soon from his family, was buried on October 10 at their home in Homa Bay county.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Orao revealed that her husband suffered from liver cancer, a battle he fought for seven long months before he succumbed.
How did Maureen Orao juggle work and caregiving?
During his illness, the 41-year-old mother balanced her demanding job with full-time caregiving.
“It was a journey of love, faith, and incredible endurance. I spent countless days and nights in hospital corridors seeking treatment, using nearly all our family’s savings to give my husband the best care possible,” she said.
Orao’s goal was clear: to see her husband recover. Even as the burden grew heavier, she reached out to relatives for support, though it was limited.
“I faced most of the struggles with only the help of my sister and brother, who stood by me throughout this difficult journey. Despite the challenges and exhaustion, I never gave up on him,” she shared.
Source: UGC
What kept Maureen Orao going?
The mother of four noted that her love for Jared kept her going, even as she watched him slowly weaken. Sadly, Jared did not make it, leaving his beloved wife heartbroken and shattered, yet strong for their children.
As a widow, she had to set aside her grief, adjust to a life without the love of her life by her side, and take on the responsibility of raising her children alone.
“I lost my best friend, but I will continue to fight for my family’s future with all my strength. I have always been a fighter, and though the road ahead is difficult, I draw strength from my children, my faith, and the belief that better days will come,” she added.
Her firstborn daughter, Velma Odoyo (18), is a second-year law student at Kabarak University, while her other three children are in junior and primary school.
The Chief Inspector hopes her story will inspire other women who have gone through similar experiences, encouraging them to keep pushing forward and working hard despite the hardships and tribulations.
Source: UGC
How did Nairobi woman mourn slain husband?
In other news, TUKO.co.ke reported that Naomi Wambui, from Githurai 45, was heartbroken following the tragic death of her husband, Frankline Gatukui.
Gatukui was killed just 40 days after they held a colourful church wedding, leaving Wambui a widow at a young age.
During his requiem service, Wambui shared a heartfelt tribute, describing their love and assuring him she would never forget him, even in death.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
