‘I don’t regret donating a kidney to dad’ – Actor Gibson Gathu’s daughter
He was popularly renowned as Kiongozi wa Mashtaka, or Prosecutor, in the long-running Kenyan show, Vioja Mahakamani where he starred as the Prosecutor for 40 years.
The late Gibson Mbugua Gathu was a staple on Kenyan television for decades until a new crop of actors were selected to carry the same show forward as the older generation took on other activities.
During his January 3, 2023, burial at Matundura Village in North Kinangop, Nyandarua County, his grief-stricken family eulogized him as a pillar who stood by them in high and low waters.
He left behind a wife, Margaret Njeri, and three children, Trizza Mwihaki Githu, Grace Wanjiru Gathu and Ian Gathu.
Also read: Late Vioja Mahakamani actor’s brother breaks down as he remembers Gibson Gathu’s beloved gift
One of his children, Grace Gathu, was inconsolable as she paid tribute to her father during the ceremony.
She remembered him as her greatest cheerleader who taught her that someone can survive in the most profound of losses, and have the ability to turn such an occurrence into a positive event.
It was also during her moment to speak that she revealed she was the one who donated her kidney to her father who had been battling kidney failure before his health deteriorated until his death.
She also said that she did not regret donating her kidney to her father as she took comfort that he comfort that she had finally received total healing and restoration.
Also read: Lovely family photos of departed Vioja Mahakamani actor Gibson Mbugua
The late Gibson Mbugua Gathu died on December 22, 2022, after being in a coma for three months in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
He had undergone a kidney transplant in mid-2022 after suffering for a while and his pockets were drained by the costs of treatment.
According to information in Nairobi News’ possession, the late Gathu successfully underwent the kidney transplant after Kenyans helped him cater for the hospital bills; and expressed hope to local media that he intended to get back to acting and mentoring upcoming thespians.
However, in September 2022, his health began failing him he eventually passed on due to cardiac arrest.
Prior to his death, he had been diagnosed with diabetes.
Also read: RIP our King of Zamunda! Family mourns Vioja Mahakani actor Gibson Mbugua