Goodbye Fred

 

I first met Fred Byabagabo about 13 years ago in Rwanda and followed his journey keenly as he rose to the top—becoming a partner at ENS Rwanda and one of the country’s leading corporate lawyers. Beyond his legal practice, Fred also shared his knowledge as a law lecturer, leaving a lasting mark on Rwanda’s legal fraternity.

Towards the end of 2021, he joined the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) in Nairobi as Senior Counsel.

When I arrived at TDB on February 1, 2024, he was the first person I met in the lobby. He greeted me warmly, hugged me, and introduced me to colleagues as 'his brother from another mother.'  In that moment, I felt instantly at home.

Our offices were next to each other. At times, I couldn’t help but overhear him talking as he could be loud. What stood out to me from these moments was how effortlessly he could discuss complex legal concepts in four languages—English, French, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda.

Fred was incredibly hardworking, often one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave the office. Yet, he always encouraged the rest of us in the legal department to leave early and not take life too seriously.

Whenever I needed advice on an assignment, he was one of my first points of contact. No matter how busy he was, Fred would set aside his work, greet me warmly, and give me his undivided attention. Ever the optimist, no challenge you brought to him was insurmountable in his eyes. He was positive vibes 24/7.

Fred had a gift for making everyone feel seen and heard. He had a special greeting for each person he encountered—whether it was the guards, the cleaners, his peers, or senior executives. “Mkubwa" (big boss), “Mheshimiwa" (honourable), “Chief,” and “Boss” were just some of the many titles he bestowed upon whoever he was addressing.

Our department held weekly staff meetings, where each member shared updates on their work. Fred’s updates were always the longest and most animated, full of stories and jokes. Despite our gentle nudges to keep his updates brief, he couldn’t help but default to his natural storytelling. It was comical.

We didn't talk much about his childhood. But like many Rwandans of our generation, he was born in exile — in the DRC. At a memorial service held in Nairobi on 31st December, we learned from his younger brother Desire, that they lost their father at a young age. And Fred, as the eldest, stepped up to care for his siblings, playing the role of a father figure.

Fred loved his family deeply. He often took his two daughters and son to the salon and patiently waited for hours while the girls had their hair done.

Ever selfless, Fred volunteered to work during the Christmas break so the rest of us in the legal team could take leave.

On December 24th, he went to bed and never woke up. After a brief period in the hospital, he passed away on December 30th, 2024. He was just 47 years old.

Fred’s passing is a profound loss to his young family, to us—his friends and colleagues—to TDB, and to his beloved motherland, Rwanda.

When I reflect on Fred’s life, I am reminded of the parable of the good servant who made the most of his talents. It is my hope that the Master would welcome him with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Fred, your sudden passing saddens us deeply. Yet we are grateful to God for the short time we sojourned with you in this world. We loved you, and we will miss you dearly. You were truly one of a kind. Your brilliance, cheerful heart, humility, and generosity of spirit will forever remain in our hearts. Fare thee well my friend! You did great!