Former Citizen TV news anchor Jacque Maribe and her family are going through a difficult festive season following the death of her father, Maribe Mwangi.
Nairobi News has learned that Jacque’s father passed away after a long battle with cancer.
News of his demise was first made public by Maribe through a series of Instagram Stories updates sighted by this publication.
Taking to social media minutes after her father’s death, the media personality posted a photo of herself in her dad’s embrace as she expressed her sorrow and heartbreak following the loss.
In her caption, Jacque wondered how she would live without her late father, who appeared in the picture.
However, she noted that she was somewhat relieved that her dad was no longer in pain and had finally rested after a long and tough battle with cancer.
“Sasa what do I tell a man like you? The definition of perfection. I don’t know how I will live without you, Dad, but I know you are not in pain anymore. I love you with everything in me,” she captioned.
In yet another update, the mother of one posted a photo of herself with her mother and father and expressed sympathy for her mum following the devastating loss.
She noted that she was praying for her mother to get the strength to heal after her father’s death, describing her as the hero of their family.
“Dad, aki. I don’t know. Dad, please, oh God! I pray my mum heals. She’s the hero of the family,” she added.
News of Maribe Mwangi’s death broke the hearts of many Kenyans, including Jacque’s close friends and fans, who came out in large numbers to condole with her.
Jacque’s close friend Dennis Itumbi led other Kenyans in mourning, terming the departed patriarch a solid man who was easy to bond with.
“Asante sana my friend Jacque Wanjiru for introducing me to Mzee Maribe. A father so solid and a man so easy to bond with. There is a photo online that will forever show who he really was — a great and loving dad. That photo will live in the hearts of many. May God’s own hand wrap you and your family in grace, and may His strength carry you through this deep, aching moment. Jacque Maribe, you are in my prayers,” Itumbi posted.
Many who sent their condolences and tributes to Maribe Mwangi described him as a devoted father who would do just about anything to protect his children.
Several also reminisced about the moment they first saw Maribe Mwangi on TV as he fiercely defended his daughter against allegations of being an accessory to the murder of Monica Kimani, alongside her then lover Jowie Irungu.
Mwangi also protected her from the media by physically shielding her from cameras and always showing up whenever Jacque had to face the public.
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