By Alie Turay
Philadelphia: Over the weekend, hundreds of mourners from all works of life within the United States joined the Kai-Kai family to pray and celebrate the life and legacy of their friend, brother, and father, Ernest Kai-Kai.
The two-day program started Friday night and ended on Saturday. During the Friday night vigil, speaker after speaker praised the good attitude of the late man Ernest Kai-Kai. One tribute that stands out is from his close friend Akim Din Gabs. Akim who has known Ernest for more than 15 years, narrated how close Ernest was to him and his family, and the long telephone conversations he used to have, ranging from family, social life, and politics.
During the funeral at Mt. Zion United African Church at 1453 N 52nd St Philadelphia, PA 19131, The senior Pastor Rev, Joseph C. Abu, called on the family to be strong in the Lord Jesus and focus on the legacy of Ernest.
At the repast, Victoria Kai-Kai, wife of the late Ernest, thanked the Sierra Leonean and other communities, around the United States of America for the love and support she has received since the departure of her husband. She also expresses her gratitude to all the organizers who supported the Kai-Kai family during their time of mourning.
Below is the Life & Legacy of Ernest Kai-Kai
Ernest Kai-Kai, age 52, fondly known as “E.K.” was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, with his lovely wife by his side Ernest was born March 22, 1972, to the late Mr. Momodu Edward Kai-Kai and Mrs. Sylvia Kai-Kai in Pujehue, Sierra Leone. He was raised along with his brother, John Kai- Kai. Ernest Kai-Kai came to the United States of America at the age of 12. He was a graduate of John Bartram High School and the Community College of Philadelphia where he earned his Associate’s Degree. Following graduation, he was employed by Tastykake, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, as a Machine operator for over 19 years. Ernest was a loving, kind, selfless, soft-spoken, and caring father & husband. He was an exceptional mixer, a compassionate listener, and a peacemaker. He understood the
importance of nurturing good relationships with family and friends. He made sure everyone in his presence felt loved. E.K. was married to the love of his life, Victoria Turay Kai-Kai for over 15 wonderful years. They were 2 beautiful couple inside and out, who always had the best time together. Mr. Ernest Kai-Kai was a man of faith and a member of Mount Zion United African Church in Philadelphia, PA. He was greatly involved in the progress of the community. He was a member of the All People Congress and served as Organizing Secretary, He was also a member of Krio Heritage Alliance of Pennsylvania (KHAP), a Registered Member of the King Jimmy Family, and a member of Sierra Leoneans in Philly Association known as MAMA SALONE ANNUAL OUTING ORGANIZATION, he was also a member of the PHILLY AFRICANA BALL-GALA.
He is survived by his wife Victoria Kai-Kai; his children, Kayena, Emani and stepson, Abdul Sesay; his brother, John Kai-Kai; his sisters, Abibatu Kai-Kai and Regina Kai-Kai; his stepmother, Elizabeth Mabel Kai-Kai: stepbrother Augustine George Cole; and his lovely Aunty Ms. EKU in Sierra Leone. He is also survived by countless Family at home and abroad. Cousins and uncles in the United States including Madani and Aruna, close uncle, uncle-Dee, close friends Akim Din- Gabs, Mustapha Bangura, Alieu Jalloh, Alex Conteh, Mohamed Current Kabba Mohamed Sillah-Kamara.
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