Veteran Kenyan journalist Jeff Koinange has commemorated a deeply personal milestone, marking 60 years since the death of his father, Frederick Mbiyu Koinange, in an intimate family memorial.
Taking to social media, Koinange wrote: “A special day for a special man… It’s been 60 years since you left us to be with the Lord. Keep resting with the angels, Frederick Mbiyu Koinange.”
The heartfelt tribute accompanied photographs showing him and other family members gathered at the family gravesite in Kiambaa, Kiambu County, laying flowers and pausing for reflection on the legacy of their late patriarch.
Jeff Koinange’s father, Frederick Mbiyu Koinange, passed away in 1966, leaving Jeff as a newborn.
Despite never knowing his father personally, Koinange has often credited the lessons passed down through family stories for shaping his life and career.
The 60-year commemoration highlighted how the family continues to cherish his memory, preserving the values and legacy he left behind.
Family members described the memorial as a quiet but meaningful way to honour a life that continues to resonate through the generations.
Frederick Mbiyu Koinange was a trailblazer in Kenya’s post-independence business landscape.
At a time when foreign-owned companies dominated the market, he was among the first Africans to operate a petrol station and run a motor vehicle dealership in Nairobi.
His pioneering ventures positioned him as a respected figure in Kenya’s business community.
His entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for future generations of the Koinange family to thrive in commerce, media, and public service.
The Koinange family is historically significant in Kenya.
Frederick’s father, Koinange wa Mbiyu, served as a senior chief during the colonial era, while Frederick’s brother, Mbiyu Koinange, later held influential cabinet positions under Jomo Kenyatta.
Known for his energetic and charismatic presence on television, Jeff Koinange rarely shares intimate family moments.
The memorial offered a rare window into the personal side of the celebrated journalist, showing a man deeply connected to his roots and family heritage.
Jeff, who hosts the popular talk show Jeff Koinange Live on Citizen TV, also has a global journalism background, having worked for international outlets including CNN.