JACOB KABUTU MWIRIGI

What a privilege to have known Jacob Kabutu Mwirigi as husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. A man with a heart for his family, a man of integrity, kindness, patience, and generosity. A visionary.

We say fare thee well to Jacob, who was the son of the late Ibrahim Kabutu & Sarah Karai M’Murungi, cherished husband of Janice Gaceri Mwirigi, treasured father of Sarah Kiende Eastman, Matthew Jay Eastman, Kithinji Kimaita Mwirigi, Nyakio Wanjiku Mwirigi and Dr Anna Nkirote Mwirigi.

His grandchildren, Barry Kirimi Eastman, Ruby Kanana Eastman, Mukami Penzi Mwirigi and Njeri Zuri Mwirigi adoringly referred to him as “Juju Baaba” or “Juju Big-man”.

He was beloved of his siblings; the late Gideon & Jennifer Mwobobia, Cllr John & Marion Kirimi, Jeremiah & Esther Murithi, the late Harriet Nduru & George Murungi, Eng Erastus & Eunice Mwongera and Alice Ngautani & Charles Mitine.

He formed great and lasting friendships with his in-laws, the late Dickson & Anna Marete, Pam & the late Hon Joe Malebe, Catherine & Geoffrey Gakure, Mwebia & Josephine Marete, Mwenda & Salome Marete, the late Kinoti & Stella Marete, the late Kimathi & Kagwiria Marete, the late Muriungi Marete & Catherine Kagwanja, the late Jim & the late Karea Marete, Barry & Donna Eastman (USA) and the late Dr Njoroge Mungai & Mrs Lilian Njeri Mungai.

The life and soul of the party with a big heart, he was a firm favourite of his many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

He will be missed by all who encountered him, but mostly it is a high honour to have lived with him, walked with him and learned from him in the 75 years that God gave to him.

Bye bye Baaba, until we meet again.