MLA Jonathan Denis was on hand to honor the memory of those who died and was privileged to play a part of the vigil. "We need to be more sympathetic towards the victims.

If people don’t obey our laws then they don’t deserve to be in the general public" he said.  He concurs with Chief of Police Rick Hanson’s move to double the officers to curb the violence. "It’s a good first step. This is a wake up call to demonstrate that gang violence is not a downtown problem only."

This sentiment was echoed by Alderman Joe Ceci who said, "this was a senseless tragic waste of life which underscores the critical need for preventative programs so our youth will not get into the clutches of gang involvement."

Tannis Keteca, whose Fijian husband was a good friend of Keni’s, said "let’s step up as a community. He didn’t deserve this. Let’s get a handle on it. Let’s get this story out by the media to comfort the family back home. But this also affects everyone in Calgary."

The real essence of the vigil was conducted by life long friend Pose Seumantufa who stated that, "their main goal was to speak healing and reconciliation." The question was pressed, "how can this happen – how do you balance this out?" Pose responded by saying that, "It is a process that each person has to experience differently. We will struggle if we let ourselves go down the road of unforgiveness. We are not going to be victimized by this." Pose said he had a warm feeling by the turnout to remember his friend but also still had the question of why.

Pose remembered his friend as one who would light up a room and buy a coffee for anyone who was in need. He was a family guy who loved life. "I know where he is," he said.

Lennie Su’a, Keni’s ex-wife attending the evening vigil said, "He was an example of God’s love."
— photo by Peter McManus

Prayers were then offered in both Samoan and English. "Lord we honor You with the life You have given Keni. As we come as a community; help us process what has happened. We speak out in faith and pray for the families of the other two deceased. Use this incident for good to both the community and for Canada. We pray Your peace and love, not hatred. Bless this place with a sense of faith and love, not bitterness and anger. What is now evil in the end can be used for good. Thank you for the privilege to know him and we know he is with You in heaven and we will see him again. This incident reconfirms that You are good. This is hard to figure out how this can come to a good person. We bless You Lord in the name of Jesus, Amen."

Keni’s brother said that he spoke highly of this country, how it was friendly and safe. "How ironic that we are here tonight. Your presence warms us though it is cold out."

A song was offered in Samoan and when "hallelujah" was sung, tears slowly fell on the cheeks of those holding candles and flowers. This short doxology of praise is recognized universally.

Lenni Su’a, Keni’s former wife, met Keni in Kelowna with YWAM and did her discipleship training in Kona, Hawaii. They ministered in Guam, Saipan and in the Marshall Islands. After coming to Canada he continued to minister to the native community. Her reflection of Keni was that "he had a strong faith, he never gave up in hard times, and he had a heart and compassion for others and was an example of God’s love." She now draws comfort in knowing where he is.