David Gitonga: Kenyan man in UK dies in his sleep after evening of Mugithi with loved ones
By Steve Ireri, September 14, 2026The Kenyan community in Nottingham, United Kingdom, is mourning the sudden death of David Gitonga, who passed away in his sleep on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after spending his final evening enjoying a barbecue and Mugithi music with loved ones.
In a report shared by Diaspora Messenger, an online communications channel serving Kenyans living abroad on Facebook on Sunday, September 13, 2026, Gitonga had spent the evening with his loved ones in what was described as a joyful gathering filled with food, music, laughter and happy moments.
The report noted that Gitonga appeared to be in good spirits during the evening before eventually retiring for the night, with nothing suggesting that it would be his final time spending such a moment with those close to him.
He later went to sleep, only for his wife to discover him the following morning after he had tragically died in his sleep.
“The Kenyan community in the UK is mourning the sudden passing of David Gitonga of Nottingham, who died on 16th August 2026. David had spent the evening enjoying a BBQ and Mugithi with loved ones—full of life, laughter and joy. He later retired for the night, but tragically passed away in his sleep. His wife discovered him the following morning,” the report said.
According to the report, doctors subsequently confirmed that Gitonga had suffered a heart attack, leaving his family grappling with the sudden loss of a man they said had appeared fit and well before his death.
The family further revealed that Gitonga had no known underlying health conditions, making his unexpected death particularly difficult to comprehend for those who had interacted with him shortly before his passing.
“Doctors later confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack. According to the family, David had no known underlying health conditions and appeared fit and well before his sudden passing. His death has left a huge void in the lives of his wife, children, extended family, friends and the wider Kenyan community,” the report read in part.
Funeral arrangements
Gitonga will be laid to rest on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Nottingham.
The report indicated that the farewell programme will begin with a church service scheduled to run from 10:30 am to 1 pm at St Margaret’s Church on Aspley Lane, Nottingham, NG8 5GE.
The burial will follow between 1:45 pm and 3 pm at Highwood Cemetery on Low Wood Road, Nottingham, NG6 7GA.
The day’s programme will later continue with a wake scheduled for 4 pm to 11 pm at Marcus Garvey Community Centre on Lenton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2BY.
According to the information circulated by the platform, mourners have been encouraged to wear black with a touch of purple, although observing the colour theme remains optional.
“FUNERAL – Friday, 18th September 2026
Church Service: 10:30am–1pm St. Margaret’s Church, Aspley Lane, Nottingham NG8 5GE
Burial: 1:45pm–3pm Highwood Cemetery, Low Wood Rd, Nottingham NG6 7GA
Wake: 4pm–11pm Marcus Garvey Community Centre, Lenton Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2BY
Theme: Black with a touch of purple (optional)
Free parking is available at all locations,” it added.
The family has appealed to the Kenyan community, friends and well-wishers to keep them in their prayers and support them as they navigate the difficult period following Gitonga’s sudden death.
“The family is asking the Kenyan community, friends and well-wishers to keep them in their prayers and offer support during this heartbreaking time,” the report said.
