A solemn atmosphere settled over the usually tranquil village of Waguthu in Kiambaa, Kiambu County, as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to Richard Gichini Mbugua. The funeral attracted people from different backgrounds, including senior Jubilee Party members from across the country.
The late Mr. Mbugua was the husband of Mrs. Margaret Njeri Gichini, a committed Jubilee supporter whose longstanding party ties drew several political figures to the village.
The funeral was attended by a number of prominent Jubilee leaders and aspirants, including Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader and presidential hopeful; Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee Organizing Secretary; Anne Nyokabi Gathecha, former Kiambu Women Representative; and Joyce Ngugi, Kiambu Jubilee Women Representative and former Deputy Governor.
While delivering his eulogy, Dr. Fred Matiang’i praised the family’s resilience, singling out the widow, Mrs. Margaret Njeri, for her devotion. He noted her ability to balance her loyalty to the party with caring for her late husband during his prolonged illness.
“As a party, we want to thank Mrs. Margaret for her patience and unwavering loyalty to Jubilee, as well as her dedication to her husband. This is truly exceptional, and we promise the family that our party will stand by them,” Dr. Matiang’i said.
Former Kiambu Women Representative Anne Nyokabi Gathecha, who is also a close family friend, recalled her long association with the household. She described how she and Mrs. Gichini worked together to care for the deceased as his health declined.
“I want to thank Mrs. Gichini for the outpouring of love she showed her late husband. It is by God’s will that we accept the passing of our dear dad,” Hon. Nyokabi said.
In a tribute read on her behalf by Lawyer Beth Fundi, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Kiambu Chapter Chairperson, Mrs. Gichini remembered her late husband as a devoted and caring man.
“You were always a pillar to our family. Despite life’s ups and downs, you provided for us without fail, and I will dearly miss you, my loving husband,” Mrs. Gichini said.
Before turning to farming, Mr. Richard Gichini Mbugua had a successful career in the corporate sector, having worked at Standard Chartered Bank before retiring.