Kalonzo Offers Condolences to Comedian Gatwiri’s Family.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka visited the family of the late content creator and influencer Tabitha Gatwiri on Thursday. He was joined by former Kiambu County Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Kitui County Senator Enock Wambua. The group met with Gatwiri’s father, Robert Kirimi, and her brother, Brian.

Kalonzo expressed his deep sympathy for the family following Gatwiri’s untimely passing last week. “I met with the family of Tabitha Gatwiri earlier today in Nairobi to convey my profound condolences,” Kalonzo said. He remembered Gatwiri as an exceptionally talented individual, noting that the widespread expressions of grief from around the world showed the significant impact her creativity had on many people.

Acknowledging the loss to the creative industry, Kalonzo also recognized fellow content creators Alex Mathenge (aka “Security Engineer”), MCA Tricky, Naomi Kuria, and Shipira for supporting the family during this difficult time.

“While we grieve her loss, let us also celebrate the joy she brought to our lives. May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” Kalonzo said.

The Wiper leader, a fan and supporter of Gatwiri, had earlier shared a heartfelt tribute on November 2, recalling their meeting a few years ago and describing her as vibrant and insightful. “My heart hurts as I pen this condolence message to the family of Tabitha Gatwiri,” Kalonzo wrote. “She was a young woman determined to change the world with her ideas. Our discussions about the state of the nation and what her generation could achieve were thought-provoking.”

He also reflected on their last conversation, which focused on bringing her unique perspective into his communications team.

Gatwiri, 29, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024. An autopsy conducted at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital revealed that she died from suffocation due to positional asphyxia. The medical report stated that she died from “positional asphyxia with brain oedema.”

Positional asphyxia, also known as the jack-knife position, occurs when a person’s body is in an abnormal position for too long, obstructing their airway and preventing proper breathing. This can lead to unconsciousness, suffocation, and ultimately, death.