Why Kimani Ichung’wah’s father believed tattoos were harmful
By Steve Ireri, September 15, 2025Kimani Ichung’wah’s father, Isaac Ngugi, never liked tattoos.
The 105-year-old, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, September 4, 2025, also firmly rejected alcohol, tobacco and drugs, living a disciplined life that reflected his deep commitment to faith and sobriety.
To him, these habits were stumbling blocks to progress, and he made it clear to those around him that they had no place in the life of a healthy and united nation.
This outlook was strongly echoed during his burial on Monday, September 15, 2025, when Senior Reverend Kogu, a long-time spiritual mentor who preached to Isaac and led him to salvation, reminded mourners of his convictions.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if this old man were to stand here today and speak to you, he would say this: if you want to have a good, progressive, healthy and united nation, you have four things. must avoid drugs, alcohol, tobacco and tattoos,” he said.
Reverend Kogu told the congregation that if Isaac had stood before them that day, he would have spoken with the same firmness, urging people to avoid drugs, alcohol, tobacco and even tattoos, which he never approved of.
The clergyman described Isaac as a man who embraced faith wholeheartedly and rejected anything that compromised human dignity or social harmony.
“He always said these things. If you look around, you will see many people with tattoos, but he did not like them. He never drank alcohol, not even once,” the reverend added.
The funeral service, held in Kiambu, drew a significant presence of national leaders.
Among those in attendance were President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo and a host of other political figures who came together to console National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and his family.
In a eulogy read during the service, the family reflected on Isaac Ngugi’s remarkable journey through life.
Born in 1920, he experienced hardship from a young age, having been displaced with his family and losing his mother before he was even five years old.
Despite the difficulties of his childhood, he grew into a man of resilience, faith and discipline.
He became a full member of the Church of the Torch PCEA Kikuyu, a place where he found spiritual strength and anchored his life’s principles.