JULIE GICHURU ON HOW SHE MET HER HUSBAND

Celebrated media personality Julie Gichuru has shared an account of how she met her husband, Anthony Gichuru, 25 years ago, an introduction orchestrated by a family mentor, the late James Njenga Mungai.

In a tribute posted as she laid Mungai to rest on her 52nd birthday, Gichuru revealed that she and Anthony first met in Mungai’s home, a place she and her family affectionately called Lavi. Mungai, who was the father of her high school best friend Anne, had already become a father figure to Julie in her teens and a mentor to Anthony before the two ever crossed paths. 

Recognising their compatibility, he played a role in bringing them together and later oversaw the entire planning of their wedding. “JN oversaw the planning for our wedding right from the start,” Gichuru wrote. “He brought 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.”

Gichuru honoured him not only as the architect of her marriage but as a guiding light and grandfather (Guka) to her children. He was a constant, caring presence in their lives an advisor, confidant, and the host of a vibrant home where her children spent countless hours watching football, following F1, and playing pool.

In her tribute, She reflected on the impact of his life, emphasising the timeless values he embodied. “Dad has taught us all the lesson of a lifetime,” she shared. “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.”

She concluded, “A Mugumo tree has fallen but shall never be forgotten. The grass will whisper ‘he was here and he made a difference’. Rest well Vava… We take comfort that we will be with you again.”