Former Citizen TV anchor Jacque Maribe is mourning the death of her father, Mwangi Maribe.
Maribe confirmed the news through her social media pages, where she shared that he had been unwell before his passing.
The journalist posted a photo of herself with her father and wrote a short message expressing deep pain and disbelief at the loss.
“Now what do I tell a man like you? The definition of perfection,” she wrote.
“I do not know how I will live without you, dad, but I know you are not in pain. I love you with everything in me.”
Her message drew quick reactions from friends and supporters who sent condolences and expressed sympathy for her family.
Denis Itumbi, a close friend of Maribe, also paid tribute to the late Mwangi Maribe.
In a message posted on X, Itumbi thanked Jacque for introducing him to her father and described him as a kind and welcoming man.
“So solid and a man so easy to bond with. There is a photo online that will forever show who he really was, a great and loving dad,” Itumbi said.
He added that the image would remain an important memory for many people who knew the family.
He assured Maribe that she was in his prayers during this difficult time.
Former Chief Administrative Secretary David Osiany joined the list of public figures sending their condolences.
In a long and emotional tribute, Osiany said he felt the weight of Maribe’s loss even though he had never met her father.
He said the news touched him because he often saw his own relationship with his daughter reflected in the close bond between Maribe and her father.
Osiany recalled how Mwangi Maribe had stood by his daughter during her trial days in the case involving the murder of a businesswoman in Nairobi.
“When his daughter was in the eye of the storm, this good old man unflinchingly wrapped her in daddy’s arms. The arms that trust the child when the whole world doubts her,” Osiany said.
“The arms that love a child when hatred is spewed like venom. The eyes that fiercely say, ‘I bore this child and brought her up. I know what she can and can’t do. I can bet with my life and that of her mother that these allegations and assertions about my child are untrue, and I will defend her to my last drop of sweat and blood.’”
He added that he believed the late Maribe had always been committed to helping his daughter rebuild her strength each time she felt overwhelmed.
Osiany praised him as a father who carried his daughter’s burdens with dignity and love.
He wished Maribe comfort and peace as she goes through the mourning period.
He also sent condolences on behalf of himself and his wife, Syombua Osiany.
“Jackie, pole sana for your loss. May God’s comfort be nearer than ever before. God bless you. Heartfelt condolences from Syombua Osiany and myself,” he said.
Messages of sympathy have continued to pour in as friends, colleagues, and members of the public rally around Maribe and her family.
by SHARON MWENDE
