Friday, February 14, 2025
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Uhuru Cracks Up Mourners in Moving Tribute of His ‘Bottle’ Friend

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the dignitaries present during the memorial service of Kanja Waruru, brother of Royal Media Services (RMS) Managing Director Wachira Waruru.

Uhuru joined Waruru’s friends and family during an emotional service at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi on Friday, January 31, where the late was fondly eulogized as a remarkable man who embraced and lived life to the fullest.

Family, friends, and those who knew Kanja described him as a devoted family man and a loyal friend, who always put the needs of those around him first.

Kanja passed on last week while receiving treatment in India for liver cancer.

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta while celebrating Kanja for his loyal and friendly nature shared cherished memories of his unwavering support and kindness.

Uhuru Cracks Up Mourners in Moving Tribute of Kanja Waruru
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta joins family, friends, and relatives of the late Kanja Waruru during a memorial service at Ridgeways Baptist Church. PHOTO/David Maina Ndung’u

Uhuru recalls how he met Kanja in the US

He reminisced how he first met his late friend when he first traveled to the United States in 1980 for his studies.

“So, one day with another foreign student I was walking back from the library back to the dormitory, and out of the blue I heard this loud voice shouting hey and he came up and said are you so and so? I said yeah. He said I was told by my cousin to hold your hand. I’m like so you must be Kanja. Yes, I’m Kanja, what are you doing -nothing? My car is just parked over here. Let’s go just pick a few things we go to my place. I looked at this stranger fellow who was so confident just telling me to get into his car. I proceeded to do just that, got into his car and we traveled to his apartment. And that became my second home,” narrated Uhuru.

While reminiscing about the early days of their friendship, the former President reflected on how their friendship grew over simple moments.

Kenyatta shares light moment

One such moment involved a regular spot they frequented in Jersey City, where they shared what Kenyatta referred to as “tea” — a lighthearted code they used for drinks.


Also Read: World Mourns Death of Influencer and Philanthropist Dora Moono Nyambe


This spot became their unspoken meeting place, a place of comfort and connection.

“One day I took the train and traveled to Jersey City where he was based, and I happened to arrive there. Kumbe Kanja had already gone to work so in his apartment block there was a place the ground floor where we used to go and have “tea”, so I decided I was going to go wait for him there because I knew eventually when he came from work, he had to come through this “tea” place so, he would find me there,” Uhuru added.

“He came and he asked me eventually how long have you been here? I’ve been here about a couple of hours. Tomorrow morning I’ll sort this out, so you don’t have to always just wait for me here.”

True to his word, the following morning, Kanja made a copy of his apartment key and handed it over to Uhuru.

Kanja Waruru mourned

During the same service, Waruru’s wife Nelly Kanja mourned her husband as a companion who loved them, a father who cared deeply, and a friend who knew no stranger.


Also Read: “I Will Never Remove His Ring”- Otuoma’s Wife Says in Emotional Tribute


Nelly added that her late husband had a unique gift for connecting with both young and people.

“He was just as comfortable chatting with teenagers in the family as he was sharing very deep and meaningful connections and stories with his pals. Kanja my love you may be gone but you’ll never be forgotten,” she said.

Kanja was celebrated for his unwavering love for people and his extraordinary ability to create lasting bones known for his barbecue mastery.

He was the heart of family gatherings delighting loved ones with his grilling skills even during the last Christmas holiday.

Despite silently battling stage four liver cancer, he insisted on being his usual self-grilling laughing and making sure everyone felt at home.

He will be laid to rest on Saturday at his rural home in Kiganjo, Nyeri County.

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Uhuru Cracks Up Mourners in Moving Tribute of Kanja Waruru
The late Kanja Waruru. PHOTO/UGC

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Jason Ndunyu

Jason Ndunyu is a Digital Media Journalist at The Kenya Times with a passion for research and fact-checking. He delivers engaging content across diverse topics, with a special interest in the dynamic world of Sports. You can reach him at jason.ndunyu@thekenyatimes.com

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