Jane Mukami Marks 9 Years Since Brother’s Death with Visit to Atlanta Grave

Kenyan wellness coach and writer Jane Mukami visited her brother’s grave in Atlanta, marking nine years since his death.

Mukami travelled with her mother to honour Stephen Githen, a US military veteran who died on 3 March 2017 at the age of 30. In her tribute, she noted that he would have turned 39 this year and highlighted the issue of veteran suicides in the United States.

Writing on Facebook, Mukami described grief as a persistent, changing presence. “Grief is such a strange thing. It doesn’t go away. It just changes,” she wrote, comparing it to an invisible scar that reacts to life’s reminders.

She said the visit allowed her to focus on positive memories, despite the pain of revisiting her brother’s resting place. “Steve would want me to keep living fully, even in his absence,” she added.

Mukami extended her message to others experiencing loss, encouraging them to practise self-compassion and approach healing gradually.