Cecilia Reriani, the wife of the late Jack Reriani, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's brother, penned a farewell tribute to her husband, revealing the final conversation she shared with him.
Speaking at the funeral service on Tuesday, October 4, held in Mathira, Nyeri County, she noted that Jack reminded her that she was a pillar in their home and tasked her to ensure that their house is held together. She noted that these efforts would make him proud as a father and as a husband.
Cecilia added that had she known that it was their final conversation, she would have done things differently to spend more time with Jack.
"He had been sick for a while but managed his condition for many years with love and care. He reminded me that I am a pillar in his home. He told me to hold our house together and strive to make him proud. I will fulfill these promises as we had great plans for our future."
"If only I knew that it was the last time together, I would have done things differently. I would have probably tried harder for you to stay longer with us. God takes the best, go well till we meet again. I will always love you," she stated.
Jack's son, Stephen Gachagua Reriani spoke fondly of his father's pivotal role in his childhood career that moulded him into the person he is today.
"At an early age, he made me a reader with an interest in learning. He insisted that human beings were natural beings and could do more. My father's moral convictions were like those of the prophet Micah."
"His main moral inculcation involved perseverance, veracity, justice and temperance to which he added a significant portion of prayer, and readiness to encounter pain. He estimated people according to their merits. In my memory, my father shall never die," Stephen stated.
The son also reminisced the moment he was informed of his father's demise, adding that he saw his life flashing before his eyes upon receiving the news.
"On the day that my aunt called me to tell me my father was gone, I had the feeling where your life flashes before your eyes. My father's words were instantly brought to my mind. He had told me that the flash is called living, so live your life. He was a very intense man, goodbye father, I love you," Stephen added.
The burial service was attended by President William Ruto, First lady Rachel Ruto, DP Gachagua and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and Cabinet Secretary for Defence nominee, Aden Duale among others.
Gachagua had announced in a statement of his brother's death on Saturday evening, September 24. He, however, did not reveal the cause of death.
