Accompanied by former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu and Kitui Senator Enock Wambua, Kalonzo met with Gatwiri’s father, Robert Kirimi, and brother, Brian, in Nairobi, expressing his condolences for her untimely passing.
Kalonzo described Gatwiri as a remarkable individual whose creativity resonated with thousands.
“I met with the family of Tabitha Gatwiri to convey my profound sympathy following her untimely passing last week,” he said, noting that her death marks a significant loss to the creative industry.
Kalonzo praised Gatwiri’s impact, citing the global outpouring of grief as a testament to the reach of her work.
“The joy she brought to our lives will endure,” he added, commending fellow content creators such as Alex Mathenge, Naomi Kuria, and MCA Tricky for supporting Gatwiri’s family during this difficult time.
Kalonzo has been among Gatwiri’s supporters, previously sharing memories of their conversations, where they discussed the potential of her generation to influence Kenya’s future.
“She was a young woman determined to change the world for the better with her ideas,” he shared.
Their last conversation, he recalled, touched on the possibility of her joining his communications team.
Gatwiri, 29, was found dead on October 31, 2024. An autopsy conducted at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital confirmed that she died of positional asphyxia with brain edema, a condition that can result when a person’s posture restricts their ability to breathe.
This type of asphyxia, also known as jack-knife position, can be fatal when prolonged, obstructing airways and preventing oxygen intake, leading to unconsciousness or death.
Her passing leaves a void in Kenya’s content creation scene, but Kalonzo encouraged her fans and followers to honor her legacy.
“While we grieve Gatwiri, let us remember the joy she provided. May the peace of God guard our hearts,” he said, ending his tribute with a call for unity and remembrance.