Award-winning media personality Julie Gichuru is mourning the passing of her father, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Farooq Asif Butt, whom she described as a principled, loving, and fiercely dedicated patriot.
Gichuru shared the news of her father’s passing on Instagram with a heartfelt message.
"An officer and a gentleman has rested. My father, Farooq Asif Butt, Lt Col (Ret), has rested," she wrote.
She expressed deep gratitude for his influence in her life, honoring him for shaping her into a strong woman.
"It is an honour to be your daughter. Thank you for consciously and deliberately nurturing me into a strong woman. Thank you for your love and your care. I honour you. I honour you."
Gichuru described her father as a man of bold choices and unwavering principles, who served Kenya and Africa with dedication and commitment.
"You lived a life of considered and unconventional choices - your choices. Boldly made. You loved and served Kenya — and Africa — fiercely, with commitment and dedication. You stood on your principles — unflinching, courageously. Your blood runs so strong in my veins - warm, loving, caring, and incredibly fierce when necessary," Gichuru said.
She bid him a solemn farewell, expressing hope in a reunion beyond this life:
"Rest dad. We honour you May our loved ones on the other side welcome you with great love, pomp and ceremony, and may you feel the joy of that reunion, even as we grieve our loss here on earth.
Kwaheri ya kuonana afande. My heart will take some take comfort in the knowledge that we shall be together again. I love you dad, thank you."
Tributes have begun pouring in from friends and well-wishers.
Brenda Kanaiza," So sorry Julie. Sending love and hugs to you and praying for you and your loved ones. Poleni sana"
Ahmed, "My sincere condolences 💐. Our thoughts & prayers are with you Julie . Poleni sana tena sana.
