Charles Njonjo cremated just hours after his death
2 min readCharles Njonjo has been cremated at the kariokor crematorium just hours after his death.
Charles Njonjo has been cremated as part of his last wishes. His body was taken for cremation at about 9:30 am accompanied by about 25 family members.
Njonjo died this morning aged 101 and cremated in line with his wish.
According to his family, Njonjo popularly known as the Duke of Kabeteshire passed away peacefully at 5 am on Sunday.
A family member Mr. Ngini said, “Charles Njonjo was very clear in his instructions that he be cremated immediately after his death; he didn’t want funeral-related fanfare. He wanted to be cremated almost immediately after death. So we have fulfilled his wish.”
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Njonjo was the only surviving member of the independence Cabinet of founding President Jomo Kenyatta.
President Uhuru Kenyatta in his message of condolence described Njonjo as a “selfless leader” who contributed immensely to Kenya’s independence, helping to shape its destiny.
“The passing away of Hon. Njonjo is a big blow not only to his immediate family, friends, and relatives but to all Kenyans and indeed, the entire African continent because of his leading role in the founding of the Kenyan nation at independence,” President Kenyatta said in a dispatch from State House.
Njonjo was known for his English mannerisms and eloquence entrenched in Britain where he undertook studies and lived before coming back to Kenya.
He served as the country’s first post-independence Attorney General between 1963 and 1979, and as Constitutional Affairs Minister between 1980 and 1983.
Njonjo was a close confidant to Jomo, who at some point, implored on him to marry at 52, when he felt uncomfortable getting legal advice from a bachelor, according to reports.
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