Solomon Ben Ariko Opere 1951 - 2021

If you’re fortunate, every few years you will be privileged to meet someone who is really  special. Solomon was one of these people in my life. He had a level of generosity, energy, enthusiasm, kindness, resilience and wisdom that is rarely found in one human being. Solomon was a larger than life character and it is perhaps for this reason more than anything else that it is difficult to accept that he is no longer with us.

Having been wonderful hosts to my son Campbell on his trip to Osika in 2013, Solomon and his wife Rebecca would do the same for me on my visit with the rest of the GENO trustees in 2016, and for my son Stewart in 2018.

During my trip Solomon told me a story from his younger days. He and his boss had been taking a walk through a graveyard and his boss had said “Solomon, the pity of this is that many of these people will have gone to their graves with the song still in them.“ In other words Murray, he said, make sure you live your life to the full. Solomon followed his own advice – he always gave it his all.

Solomon was dedicated to Rebecca, their children, their wider family, and his community Osika and indeed Kenya will be a poorer place without Solomon. He brought hope and joy to many in Osika and beyond, and will be sorely missed. Indeed he is irreplaceable. It was a privilege to know him, work with him and laugh with him.

Rest in peace Solomon.

Murray Mathieson

Trustee, The GENO Project

April, 2021

Solomon Ben Ariko Opere, a dear friend.

I met Solomon in November 2005. Little did I know that this was the start of a truly remarkable safari. I was on my first visit to Kenya with some friends and Solomon had volunteered to accompany and guide us on our visit. We visited Kibera but most of the time was spent in Nyanza. Near the end of the journey, we visited Osika, Solomon’s village. It was a very pleasant experience. We were welcomed by the Chamluchi Women’s Group who gave us a rousing welcome. The ladies of the village fed us so well and we had speeches and stories under the tree. The sun was shining and Osika was like a little paradise. 

Over the next 15 years Solomon achieved some great successes. As the years passed, we were able to expand the areas of support. I was having some success in my business ventures which allowed me to contribute more. Moreover, I told more and more people of my village in Africa and my remarkable friend Solomon. We were fortunate that my friends in Germany, Switzerland and the UK also contributed. There were two reasons why these people supported Solomon and his dreams. Firstly, we had found an open, honest and trustworthy man in Solomon who cared deeply for his friends and family and who was prepared to give his time and effort to run the operations. The second reason was that they knew their full contribution went directly to the specific area that they had decided to support.

In the village, Solomon organised many projects. He helped develop the primary school. He organised wells and tanks to supply clean water. He supplied many farmers with certified seeds and fertilisers and organised many training sessions on better farming methods. One area that always brought a tear to my eye was the support for the widows and widowers. Twice a year he distributes Maize to the most vulnerable people. Over the years he has built a few houses and this allowed the ladies to have a bit of comfort and dignity. There are many other areas of activity that Solomon supported over the years.

Back in 2007, we began a new venture to support students who had performed remarkably well at primary school but did not have the means to go to secondary school. In the first year of this program my two daughters, Iona and Seonaid, were involved in the decision making and it was agreed that the scholarship would go to the best two girls, both girls are now University graduates. Initially, the program was only for secondary school but Solomon convinced us to support the kids through University if they achieved a certain level of success at secondary school.

In 2015 GENO was registered as a charity in Scotland and Solomon organised an equivalent organisation in Kenya. To date and through Solomon’s support, organisational ability and kindness we have 27 university or college graduates. There are another 150 students being supported at secondary school, college or University. He is expecting that a further 25 pupils will join the scholarship program this year. He has supported over 200 kids in developing their education, what a truly remarkable endeavour for one man. Solomon is responsible for these outstanding achievements and the students will carry his message for generations to come.

Solomon was a husband, a father, a leader, a mentor and to some he was a hero. He is my hero.

All the great success attributed to Solomon could not be achieved without the support of his wonderful wife Rebecca. Solomon and Rebecca, like many couples had to struggle with the trials and tribulations of daily life. Not only did they share a great life together but they opened their heart to many others. They had a truly formidable partnership. They nurtured their own children Jacktone, Angie, Eric and George and ensured that their kids had access to opportunities that many kids in Kenya did not have. They supported their nieces and nephews when their own parents passed away. As if this was not enough they supported the village of Osika and took on the responsibility of educating another 200 children.

Rebecca was always there when I visited Kenya and made me feel part of the family in Osika or in Denholm, Nairobi. Rebecca and Solomon took care of my own family when they visited Kenya. Jacqueline, Iona and Seonaid have such wonderful memories of their time with their African family. Rebecca and Solomon opened their home to my friends. They cared for us when we visited Kenya. Murray, Len, Campbell, Stuart, Lovisa and Hannah enjoyed their time with Rebecca and Solomon when they visited. All of us are truly thankful to Rebecca and Solomon for their kindness and generosity. All of us are deeply saddened with the loss of our brother.

Solomon’s children treated us as part of the family. There is a special bond between the two families. My two daughters, Iona and Seonaid are very active in GENO and both have been visited Osika many times. Both girls were extremely fond of Solomon and Rebecca. Jacqueline has always been very grateful to Solomon and Rebecca for looking after her daughters and husband during our Kenyan Safaris.

Solomon was a natural leader. Sometimes people are reluctant to step into a leadership role but it came easy to Solomon. Without this ability to lead it would not have been possible for Solomon to accomplish his goals.

Solomon was a mentor. Many of the students found him open, honest, approachable and intelligent. As our students went to secondary school and University, they did not always have the support mechanism that are required. Solomon had already guided his own children through school and higher education and was able to relate to them. The GENO program offered funds to pay for the fees but our students needed more than this. They needed a guardian a mentor a person willing to listen. Solomon provided this support.

Each year Solomon opened up his house and ran a two-day seminar for the students at tertiary education.  Rebecca and Solomon provided food and refreshments and if required a place to sleep. He brought good speakers to the event to give the students another viewpoint. I was lucky to attend the last of these summer camps and it was marvellous to see so many confident and energetic students all of whom wanted to be part an exciting adventure.

When the students apply for a scholarship, they need to complete forms. One of the questions they are asked is who is their role model. Solomon always came out on top.

Solomon was my hero. I suspect he was a hero to many people. A hero is a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities, a person who is greatly admired. A hero is the main character in a story. Solomon has to be admired for his accomplishments and the way he achieved them with humility, honesty and openness. He had the best qualities a person can desire. He was the main character in the GENO story.

One way or another we will remember Solomon by continuing his work. He has left a large gap to fill but we will find a way to ensure his students complete their education.

Though I am still reeling from the sudden death of my dear friend, Solomon, I am humbled and touched by his time here with us. I’ll never forget how quick he welcomed me into his family and his life. Solomon was a kind and caring friend. His positivity was an inspiration for everyone he met.

 Thank you for everything, Solomon. 

Paul Macdonald

Chairman, The Geno Project