Julie Gichuru marks 52nd Birthday with heartfelt farewell to a loved one
Former TV News anchor Julie Gichuru is experiencing a bittersweet milestone as she marks her 52nd birthday while saying goodbye to a father figure who had been a guiding presence in her life.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on her official Instagram account on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, Julie revealed that James Njenga Mungai, the father of her high school best friend Anne, passed away last week, leaving a profound void in the lives of those who loved him.
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In the moving tribute, Julie further described how JN became a father figure not only to her during her teenage years but also to her husband, Tony, before they met.
“We lost a father figure last week. On my 52nd birthday, as we lay him to rest, I honour his life and legacy,” Julie wrote.
“James Njenga Mungai, the father of my high school best pal Anne, became a father figure to me in my teens. He became a father and mentor to my husband, too, before I met him.”
Memories
In addition, she recalled how JN oversaw the planning for their wedding right from the start.
“Tony and I met in this home 25 years ago. JN oversaw the planning for our wedding right from the start, bringing the families together, rooting it in cultural norms and also in the Catholic church. He was my cultural father in the process, standing alongside my Dad,” she recalled.
Julie also fondly remembered how the children often spent time at his home, nicknamed Lavi, watching football, following Formula 1, playing pool, and generally enjoying life under his warm guidance.
“As our family grew, he became guka to our children, caring, present and engaged; their advisor, friend and confidant. If they weren’t at home, Lavi (as we called his home) was most likely where they were, watching football (Man U supporters for the most part 🙈), following F1, playing pool and generally having a grand time,” Julie added.
Reflecting on his life lessons, Julie noted that the rare and forgotten gifts are presence, practical mentorship, kindness, and grace.
“Dad has taught us all the lesson of a lifetime. We can give the gift of protection, nurturing, education, and financial support to our families, but the rare and forgotten gifts are presence, practical mentorship, kindness, and grace.
“We have been blessed by the light of his love and care and now we must keep his fire burning.”
She likened his loss to the fall of a Mugumo tree, a symbol of strength and endurance.
“A Mugumo tree has fallen but shall never be forgotten. The grass will whisper ‘he was here and he made a difference,” she mourned.
