Media personality Jimmy Gathu breaks down at Catherine Kasavuli’s funeral service
Media personality Jimmy Gathu could barely control his tears and emotions after he was suddenly called upon to eulogize the late veteran journalist Catherine Kasavuli at her funeral service that was held at the Friends Church, Ngong Road on January 12, 2023.
Looking somber and stunned, Gathu made his way to the podium and expressed shock and nervousness at being called upon to speak when he hadn’t expected that.
He also apologized for his dressing- he wore a black knit shirt and grey denim jeans- but said he wouldn’t have missed sending off Catherine because she encouraged many to be unique.
“Good Afternoon. So this is a little difficult for me because Catherine was like a mother to this 19-year-old man then and because – this is going to be a little difficult so all I’ll do is say thank you to Catherine for introducing me to Chris, Fayaaz, Isaiah Kabera, Honorable Wako- I want to say thank you for teaching me many things. You’ll be surprised that Catherine would speak and you wouldn’t hear her if she didn’t have a microphone. I remember she walked into the studio one time when I joined and she asked ‘who is that talking’ but humbly. She came and taught me how to use a microphone,” began Gathu as he held back tears.
He noted that it wasn’t easy to be a public fugure then but was grateful that Kasavuli groomed him into the media personality he is today despite not being in the newsroom or being anyone special. He was grateful she taught him the importance of harnessing and honing one’s talent because that was what makes one stand out in a crowd despite who the person is.
“Martin, I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you in the hospital. I couldn’t. I couldn’t. I didn’t want to remember her that way but you know I am here for you. All I can give you is my friendship so thank you,” Gathu told Kasavuli’s son amid long pauses and shaking off tears as he looked skyward.
The late Kasavuli died at the Kenyatta National Hospital on December 29, 2022, after a long battle with cervical cancer.
Gathu is one of the most celebrated media personalities in Kenya, boasting more than two decades of experience on TV and radio.
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