Grief as Kirima’s body arrives

Tom Maruko | NATION
Family members and friends receive Mr Gerishon Kirima’s body at JKIA in Nairobi on Monday.

What you need to know:

  • Businessman died in S. Africa last week while undergoing treatment

The body of prominent politician-cum-businessman Gerishon Kirima arrived on Monday in Nairobi from South Africa where he died while undergoing treatment last week.

A cross-section of relatives and friends had earlier gathered at the Presidential Pavilion at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where the Kenya Airways plane carrying the body touched down at 4.15pm.

A sombre mood engulfed the pavilion as the body, which was in a maroon casket, was received by members of the funeral committee led by chairman Maina Wanjigi and members of the family, who included his third wife Teresia Wairimu, brother Peter Kuria Kirima, daughters, other relatives and friends.

Funeral committee members present were Mr Joseph Kamotho, Mr Jimnah Mbaru, Mr Peter Munga, Mr Charles Rubia, Mr Joseph Kaguthi and Bishop Michael Michuki.

During a brief prayer ceremony held on the dais, Mr Kirima’s grandson, Gerald Kamau, moved those present to tears with a rendition of the Christian song “Amazing Grace”.

In a statement, Mr Wanjigi said a post-mortem examination on the body would be carried out today by the government pathologist, Dr Moses Njue, at the Lee Funeral Home to establish the cause of death. Two doctors appointed by the family will witness the post-mortem.

After the prayer meeting, the body was moved into a black Mercedes Benz hearse and was escorted by two police motorcycle outriders to the Lee Funeral Home, where it will lie until the funeral day.

Mr Wanjigi said prayers will continue to be conducted at Mr Kirima’s Kitisuru home as well as at All Saints Cathedral from 6pm to 8pm daily.