SK Macharia, the Royal Media Services Chairman, on April 30, held an emotional memorial service for his late son John Gichia Macharia.
John passed away on April 26, 2018, at the Karen Hospital in Nairobi, following a freak road accident along the Southern Bypass Road.
The memorial service was held at SK’s rural Ndakaini home in Murang’a, where he laid a wreath of cream roses at his late son’s mausoleum.
“It’s the second year now in which John has not been with us, but I know he is now with his maker. Sadly, because of Covid-19, we couldn’t all be here,” a visibly emotional SK revealed as he aired out a few words in remembrance of John.
The memorial service was restricted to a handful of close family and friends in adherence to the government’s directive regarding social gathering due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Donned in a navy blue suit, a black cardigan, and tie, the media mogul arrived at his home in his private helicopter alongside Reverend Jeremiah Ngumo, who led the prayers during the ceremony.
“It is my prayer that at the time of consummation, John will rise again,” the reverend stated during his sermon.
“Paul tells us in the epistle to the Thessalonians (1st Thessalonians Chapter 5), that those of us who are living should not deceive ourselves. When the trumpet calls, those who lie in the grave will be the first to rise and then we’ll follow and catch up with them,” he added.
SK, during his speech, revealed that it was Reverend Ngumo who had moderated the burial if his son and that upon discussing with the family, they decided that he would be the one tasked with officiating John’s memorial services moving forward.
“You sent him to his maker, so we thought it wise we bring you back for the second year,” a sombre SK explained.
Following the tragic accident, Karen police boss at the time Cunningham Suiyanka, revealed that the 11 p.m. crash happened due to a speeding incident, which resulted in John losing control of his 2016 Porsche 911 Turbo S.
A good samaritan identified as Munene Maina, who witnessed the crash, said that he was driving behind the speeding Porsche when it hit a pole and crashed.
He stopped by the side of the road to help, but it proved to be too late for SK’s son, who passed on due to injuries he sustained from the crash.
