The family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta is mourning the passing of his brother-in-law, William Maina Gakuo, who died on Wednesday, November 6. Gakuo was the only brother of former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, and was deeply respected within the Kenyatta family circle.
Family Mourning William Maina Gakuo
On Saturday, November 9, an obituary confirmed the sad news of Gakuo’s passing, terming it as a “deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will.” Gakuo leaves behind his wife, Sheila Wanjiku Mwangi, and his nieces and nephews including the late Noni, Jomo and Achola, Lena and Bulisa, Ngina and Alex, and Muhoho and Chizi.
Gakuo’s death has brought the extended Kenyatta family together in grief, with gatherings planned at his home in Karen on Saturday November 9, and Sunday November 10, as they prepare for his final journey.
Funeral Arrangements for Gakuo
A memorial service for William Maina Gakuo will take place on Tuesday, November 12, at the Hindu Crematorium in Nairobi. The service scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. will conclude with his cremation, as per the family’s plans. The cause of Gakuo’s death was not yet disclosed at the time of writing this article.
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A Lasting Bond with the Kenyatta Family
Though Gakuo lived a relatively private life, his role in the Kenyatta family story remains significant. He is believed to have been the key link between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his wife, Margaret. As Gakuo and Uhuru were classmates at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, their friendship naturally connected Uhuru to Margaret, a bond that led to a lasting marriage and deepened ties between the two families.
In the past, Uhuru Kenyatta shared his appreciation for Gakuo, who was the reason he met Margaret. “I first met her brother. We went to the same secondary school and quickly became friends, and it was through him that I managed to meet his younger sister,” Uhuru explained in a past event. The friendship with Gakuo laid the foundation for a love story that has spanned decades and is widely admired.
The Kenyatta family mourns a brother, an uncle, and a beloved friend who will be dearly missed.
