Uhuru Brother-in-law Cremated at Kariakor

The ceremony which was performed according to the deceased’s will was attended by a few close family members.

The late William Gakuo.

Gakuo died by suicide on Wednesday November 6, 2024 aged 48 at his house in Karen. He was a younger brother to former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

According to the wife, Sheila Wanjiku Mwangi, the body of the deceased was found hanging from the corridor leading to his bedroom and it had a suicide note beside it.

The matter is being investigated by police.

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An earlier obituary posted on social media simply stated:

“It is with deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the passing of William…Brother of Gabriela, Maina, Christine and Margaret.”

The cremation took place without any hitches.

William Gakuo was born of a Kikuyu father and a German mother in Murang’a County’s Kangema Constituency. His father was the distinguished Dr Ephantus Njuguna Gakuo, who was a university lecturer in the pre-colonial period.

Dr Gakuo went on to become the first black Managing Director of the Kenya Railways Corporation. He took over from GPG Mackay in 1964, the same year his daughter Margaret Kenyatta was born. He stopped working for the Railways Corporation in 1976 when William was born.

Former First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta.

Dr Njuguna became the first African managing director of Kenya Railways after taking over from GPG Mackay in 1964, coincidentally the year Mama Margaret was born.

Dr. Njuguna was married to Magdalena Njuguna whom he met in Germany where he taught for a stint after graduating with a PhD in Economics from Freiberg University.