Veteran journalist Julie Gichuru has shared a very personal tribute after the death of James Njenga Mungai, a man she saw as a father, mentor, and important part of her family.
Mungai, who was the father of Julie’s high school friend Anne, passed away last week and was buried on Julie’s 52nd birthday.
She remembers their close relationship, which started when she was a teenager and got stronger over the years.
Julie remembers that before she even met her husband, Tony, Mungai was advising him. Later, their relationship became very important to her.
Julie and Tony first met at Mungai’s house 25 years ago, which became like a second home to them.
When they were planning their wedding, Mungai took charge, making sure both families came together and that the wedding followed cultural traditions and Catholic beliefs.
He stood next to Julie’s father as her cultural father, giving advice and support.
As Julie’s family grew, Mungai became an even bigger part of their lives. He was a loving grandfather to their children, always there for them and involved in their lives.
His home, called Lavi, was a place where everyone gathered, talked, debated about football and Formula One, and laughed together. It was a place where they felt warmth, learned, and belonged.
Julie mentions that Mungai didn’t just help them with money; he also taught them the importance of being present, kind, and graceful, and of mentoring others. She says these are the things that really shape people’s lives.
Even though she compares his death to the falling of a great tree, she believes his impact will last. His influence continues to live on in the people he knew and the values he taught.
She ends with a hopeful message, saying she finds comfort in her faith and believes they will be together again someday. She says his life was important, and he made a real impact.
By Newshub