Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has found himself at the center of attention after a viral video in which he appears to call on the young generation, commonly referred to as Gen Zs, to continue fighting for their rights.
In the footage, Kenyatta urges the youth to persist in advocating for their rights, while also expressing his views on the increasing influence of Kenyan youth in political discourse.
However, The Kenya Times has since established the full context of his remarks which was not directed at the wider youth population.
The former president was instead sending a personal message to his first cousin Kibathi Muigai’s family during the latter’s burial.
Kibathi passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 72. During the burial service in Nairobi on Friday, January 17, Uhuru encouraged Kibathi’s family to stand firm and fight for what rightfully belonged to them.
“I was very proud of that young man who committed himself to continue with the fight that his father had started. Your father was a warrior. The problem with people nowadays is fear. I don’t know who has threatened you, even you Ngina, come back and join the fight. You Gen Zs are the future.
Fight for your rights, not just sitting there while your property is being taken away and the way you have worked hard for it.
Fight for it and make sure you get justice. Are you listening?” He asked Kibathi’s family.
“You can’t just stand there and let people take your hard-earned sweat.”
Uhuru further assured Kibathi’s family that the larger Kenyatta family stands with them, emphasizing that if there is anything any of them can do to help, they should not hesitate to ask.
Uhuru mourns cousin
At the same time, the former head of state paid tribute to Kibathi and recalled how his cousin had touched the lives of everyone in the extended Kenyatta family in one way or another.
“There are many things all of us can say but I don’t think there is any single member of our family who Kibathi did not touch in one way or another. We are going to miss a brother, a friend, and a man of all seasons. A man who lived life to his fullest, a man who lived it in accordance with his own terms not with anybody else’s term. He lived it according to his terms, fast and furious,” he said.
Kenyatta also reminisced about how his cousin had shared his experiences from the time he was remanded in prison.
Also Read: Truth Behind Uhuru Kenyatta Having Freemason Tattoo and Logo
He remembered Kibathi as a man who loved everyone equally and revealed that during his early school days, Kibathi’s home was the place he often went for comfort and support.
“As we grew up Kibathi was the older and I remember when he refused things to do with school and it was decided from him that he was going to go to prison before he progressed to go to Athi River. I remember when he was in Kamiti he used to come and reveal to us how people are sorted out in Kamiti,” Uhuru added amidst laughter from the mourners.
“He was a man who loved everybody and equally. He was always there for you and I remember when we were still in school, and others here who will remain nameless will know that when you needed somewhere to go the first place was Kibathi’s place.”
Kibathi Muigai
Kibathi, a veteran rally driver and prominent businessman was laid to rest on Friday at his home in Ichaweri, Gatundu South.
Also Read: Margaret Kenyatta Family in Mourning After Losing Kin
The cortege departed the Lee Funeral Home in the morning, with the funeral service happening at Nairobi Chapel on Ngong Road.
The deceased was part of the prominent Kenyatta family, with siblings including politicians Beth Mugo, Ngengi Muigai, and Kungu Muigai.
Known affectionately as “Wa Ngina,” he was a celebrated figure both in motorsport and business.
During his rally-driving days, he competed in a Mitsubishi Colt Lancer with his navigator, Arshad Khan.
The family while announcing his death in an obituary published in the dailies did not disclose the cause of his death but requested prayers and support as they honor his memory.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Nduta, and their seven children.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
