Following his tragic death, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Assistant Director Tom Adala has been described as an honest, loyal and diligent man who was friendly with everyone and always wore a bright smile.
His friends and family have eulogized him mourning the loss of a great man and finding it difficult to come to terms with his demise.
Tom Timothy Mboya Adala was reported dead by police on Tuesday, June 4, after his lifeless body was found lying at the servant’s quatres of his Kilimani residence in Nairobi.
Adala, whose body is lying at the Lee Funeral Home, will be buried at his Muhoroni home on Saturday, June 15, 2024, after a fundraiser and memorial service at the All-Saints Cathedral.
However, aside from his work at the NIS, the late 54-year-old was a father, a husband, a friend and a successful businessman who owned chains of restaurants and barbershops.
Also Read: Tom Adala: Family to Hold Fundraiser After Tragic Death of Top NIS Officer
Tom Adala Businesses
Former Trade and Industry Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) David Osiany revealed that Adala owned a chain of executive barbershops known as the Gentleman’s Quarter (GQ).
Located in Nairobi estates including Kilimani and Kileleshwa. The barbershops offer a variety of services including facial scrubs, manicures, braiding, massages, pedicures among other services.
“I have known Tom from my varsity days. He has been a true big brother. We called one another Top Luo.
“He influenced me to get into the barber business, which he loved as evidenced by his Gentleman’s Quarter (GQ) chains across the city. I later learnt that this business, just like many others, is not for the faint hearted,” he said in a heartwarming message.
On the other hand, Adala owned a barbeque (BBQ) restaurant known as ‘Yurop Choma Zone’, located in Nyerere Road near Da Vundu Bar in Kisumu.
He frequented the business which also had a carwash where motorists enjoyed different services and they ate roasted meat from the joint.
“He loved nyama choma, matumbo wet fry, his chicken prepared the same way and his fish meal boneless but wet fried too,” Jack Ralik, a chef at the joint said.
Also Read: Suicide Note Uncovers New Details on Death of Top NIS Officer Tom Adala
Details of His Family
Adala was the son of the late Kar Fanuel Adala Otoko, who was Kenya’s first Ambassador to the Soviet (Russia) from 1964 to 1968 and the chairman of the Luo council of elders.
His mother was the late Margaret Alice Adala.
In addition, he is survived by three children (Selly Otuko Adala, Arafa Avesso Adala and Arafa (Big) Seby) and his wife Habiba Seby.
“Tom had friends from all walks of life and was greatly loved by many, young and old, rich and poor alike,” his family said.
According to preliminary reports, he had separated with his wife and the couple was going through a divorce.
Last Moments
According to employees at his Yurop Choma Zone restaurant, he would visit the premises every other weekend without failing.
However, for two months before his death, he had not passed by to visit his business which was unlike him.
He had informed his employees that he would return on the June 8 and 9 weekend to discuss his plans to expand the business, which had been thriving under his leadership.
“It was strange that he used to visit every weekend from Nairobi, but this time round it took more than two months before he came back,” said Jack Ralik, a chef at Yurop Choma Zone in Kisumu.
At the same time, Osiany revealed that in March, he met Adala at the Kisumu International Airport while he was seeing off his sister.
“He had come from burying another friend of ours Ceaser Handa. We discussed several things and laughed heartily as always,” Osiany said.
A police report indicated that the Intelligence officer took his own life by shooting himself using a pistol on the right side of the head, which exited on his left side.
Consequently, a Glock 19 pistol s/no kg 589, was recovered with 1 spent cartridge and a magazine loaded with 3 rounds at the scene.
“In his bedroom, another spare magazine was recovered loaded with 13 rounds,” read the police report.
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