This archive report was first published on 12 October 2021.
On Saturday night, JR Githere, a prominent businessman, left Nairobi for his home in Naivasha, unaware that his life was about to take a tragic turn.
Published on October 12, 2021, the accident occurred at midnight when his Range Rover collided with a slow-moving truck along the Mai-Mahiu-Naivasha Road.
Despite efforts to save him, Githere breathed his last a few minutes after the accident while being rushed to the Mai Mahiu dispensary.
His body was later moved to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, while the vehicle was towed to Mai Mahiu police station.
Naivasha assistant county commissioner Dennise Diffu confirmed that the accident occurred at Governor area along the highway.
Friends and family were left reeling in shock as news of his death spread. A long-time friend, Mr Pharis Chege, said he was devastated by the loss of his friend and age-mate.
“We have been friends for the past 40 years and his death is a major blow. We were not only friends, but also age-mates,” said Mr Chege, a former Naivasha mayor.
Githere was known for his business acumen and was the owner of the popular Tamasha Restaurant in Nairobi.
His first employment was with the National Cereal Boards in Eldoret after undergoing training at the National Youth Service before he later left to start his business.
Condolences poured in from leaders and friends, including former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and State Department for ICT and Innovation Principal Secretary, Jerome Ochieng’.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family. May God give you strength,” Sonko posted on social media.
Jerome Ochieng’ mourned him as a jovial fellow who had a great sense of humour.
“I lost a great friend, Mr JR Githere, last night, through a tragic road accident in Naivasha. JR was generous and always full of humor. A very good friend indeed.I will miss you on the walking tracks in Parklands,” he tweeted.
