‘The way he lived is the way he died’

Retired president Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, January 17, 2025, gave a glowing tribute to his late first cousin and former rally driver Kibathi Muigai who died on January 10, 2025.

During the funeral services in his Ichaweri home in Gatundu South, Uhuru revealed that Kibathi loved cars and a good life, and that the same way he lived his life is the same manner he died.

“A man who lived life in accordance with his own terms—fast and furious. It is amazing that in the same way he lived his life – fast and furious – is the same way he left this life,” Uhuru stated.

Kibathi’s sudden death

“All of us were taken by surprise; nobody would have ever imagined that it happened. A completely healthy man, in one second and in very few minutes, is with the Lord. So, the way he lived is the way he died – fast and furious,” he added.

Kibathi was Uhuru’s first cousin and the brother to Beth Mugo. He was the son of the late Jomo Kenyatta’s only brother- James Muigai.

He was a lover of cars and the good life, as attested to by his cousin Uhuru, and at one point was jailed for six years during former president Moi’s administration.

According to Koigi wa Wamwere, Kibathi was jailed in 1988 for meeting him during his exile in Norway. During the funeral on January 17, 2025, Uhuru challenged Kibathi’s children to fight for their rights and what belongs to them even in the face of adversity.

A fighter

“Shida ya watu siku hizi sijui mmeogopeshwa. Even you, Ngina, rudi muingie hii ma Gen Z nyinyi ndio story of the future,” Uhuru urged. (The problem with people today is that they are fearful. Join hands with the Gen Zs because they are the story of the future, even you, Ngina).

In an obituary in the local dailies, Kibathi’s cause of death was missing. Former President Uhuru only revealed that the former rally driver did not suffer during his sudden death.

“With sadness and acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing on of Kibathi Muigai on January 10, 2025,” the message read in part.

He is survived by seven children and his wife, Josephine Nduta.

“We thank God that he did not suffer,” Uhuru noted.