‘I will always love him,’ says father in emotional tribute to tragic Kobi (4)
Hundreds of mourners filled Holy Cross Church in Tramore, Co Waterford, yesterday to bid a final farewell to the “energetic and fun-filled” little boy, Kobi Macharia-Dooly.
The four-year-old had been brought from London, where he was killed on December 21, to the seaside village where the Dooly family play a prominent role in the community.
Keziah Macharia was charged with murdering her son when she appeared at the Old Bailey in London on December 28.
Kobi’s father, Ben Dooly, told the congregation: “I was really blessed to have had Kobi in my life for four years and three months. I will always cherish that.
“I’m one of the luckiest people. Kobi is the strongest little boy that I know. We have to be strong with this. I know he’s looking down on us.
“In times like this, people will think that they have to question the faith. But now it is needed stronger than ever.
“It’s made it stronger for me. I know that my little boy is looking down on me. He’s giving me signs all over the place. I want to thank Kobi for that.”
Mr Dooly spoke of the “beautiful relationship” he shared with his son.
“I love him so much. I still love him. I will always love him. I adored him and he adored me,” he said.
Fr Richard O’Halloran extended condolences to Kobi’s father, his grandparents Wilf and Anne, his aunts, uncles and cousins, and “all his little friends” in London.
“This is an unforgettable and a haunting moment in the life of our community,” Fr O’Halloran said. “We try to seek some solace and peace. We ask God to give us hope.
“Most of us here will never feel where Kobi’s family are right now. We have no idea what they are going through. However, they have our sympathy and they have our admiration, in their hoping, in their dignity and in their strength.”
He said it has been a “long month” since Kobi’s death, but added that it was a time marked by great support.
Kobi was “an energetic and fun-filled and beautiful child”, Fr O’Halloran said. “He was friendly, kind and caring.”
At school in London, Kobi is remembered for knowing “every small person” and for knowing “all the big people too”.
Whereverhewent,peopleweredrawn to him, Fr O’Halloran said. “Kobi was never shy in saying hello, to everyone he met. For such a small boy, he made a dramatic difference, and a beautiful difference, in the lives of others.
“Kobi’s unique and individual personality was already shining through. A personality of smiling brightly and laughing uncontrollably.
“He was able to say that he liked both football and basketball, not one or the other. His little life was already acknowledging that his favourite superhero was Spiderman.
“He changed your world for the better. I know that you are thankful for the years that you did have.”
Some of Kobi’s favourite songs were played, including a moving rendition of Over the Rainbow, as his coffin was brought from the church. He will be laid to rest at a private ceremony.