Former President Uhuru Kenyatta
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William Maina Gakuo, brother-in-law to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has passed away, according to an obituary published on Saturday, November 9.
The announcement has brought profound grief to the Kenyatta family and their close associates. Though maintaining a discreet public profile, Gakuo held significant influence within the Kenyatta family circle as the brother of Margaret Kenyatta. He leaves behind his wife, Sheila Wanjiku Mwangi, and was a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, including the late Noni, Jomo and Achola, Lena and Bulisa, Ngina and Alex, and Muhoho and Chizi.
"It is with deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God's will that we announce the passing of William Gakuo," the obituary reads in part.
Family members will convene at Gakuo's Karen residence on November 9 and 10 to make funeral arrangements. The final rites are scheduled for November 12 at 10:00 am at the Hindu Crematorium. While the family has not disclosed the cause of death, they have invited mourners to join them in paying their final respects. Gakuo's connection to Kenya's political landscape runs deeper than mere familial ties. His friendship with Uhuru Kenyatta, which began during their years at St. Mary's High School, proved instrumental in Kenya's political history.
It was through this friendship that Uhuru met his future wife. As Uhuru himself once recalled, "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 and we started a relationship that has lasted from high school until now. I am thankful to God for that."
This introduction led to a romance that culminated in Uhuru and Margaret's wedding at the Holy Family Basilica in 1989.