- Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange had mourners in stitches at Henry Waireri Karume's funeral in Kiambu with a surprising confession
- Jeff switched to fluent Kikuyu at the funeral, catching many off guard before dropping a bombshell about a woman who once rejected him
- Kenyans online flooded social media with jokes after watching a clip of Jeff's hilarious and self-deprecating tribute at the sombre event
Veteran journalist Jeff Koinange brought an unexpected wave of laughter to a funeral in Kiambu after delivering a hilariously candid speech in fluent Kikuyu that left mourners clutching their stomachs.
Source: UGC
The moment unfolded at the funeral of Henry Waireri Karume, 64, son of the late billionaire and former Cabinet Minister Njenga Karume. Henry, who had been undergoing regular dialysis treatment, passed away last week from kidney failure.
He had served as a trusted trustee of the Njenga Karume family estate, and the family received mourners at the Runda home of his eldest sister, Dr. Wanjiku Kahiu.
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Jeff's surprise Kikuyu speech steals the show
While senior politicians including Martha Karua attended to pay their respects, describing Henry as a "trusted custodian of their shared legacy," it was Jeff's tribute that gave the gathering its most memorable moment.
The Citizen TV host, who is himself rooted in Kiambaa, Kiambu, is typically associated with polished, English-heavy speeches that have earned him gentle teasing online. So when he grabbed the microphone and launched into fluent Kikuyu, heads turned. What followed was even more unexpected.
Jeff singled out Lucy Wanjiru, a Karume family member, and used the occasion to finally air a long-held confession about their past.
"Shiru, I have known why you rejected me for those many years. It's because I did not have a BMW, and I did not have money. Ni sawa tu," he said, his signature deep voice carrying the line with a cheeky grin.
The crowd erupted. Mourners were filmed laughing loudly as Jeff delivered the punchline with theatrical calm. Cameras caught "Shiru" herself laughing shyly from the crowd, clearly caught off guard by the very public reveal.
Kenyans react online
The clip spread quickly on social media, drawing a wave of amused comments. Many Kenyans took the opportunity to contrast the broke young man Jeff described with the well-established media personality he is today.
One comment read: "Aki Jeff wewe siku izi nikama kuna kitu anatumia," a light-hearted remark suggesting Jeff now looks prosperous and well-fed, a far cry from the penniless suitor who once failed to impress with no BMW to his name.
Others praised him for the gesture, noting that celebrating a life with laughter is very much in keeping with Kikuyu funeral tradition.
Henry Waireri Karume was remembered by friends from his Lenana School days as a quietly humorous man who rarely sought the spotlight. In that sense, Jeff's tribute felt fitting. Henry is set to be buried at Cianda Farm in Kiambaa, the family's ancestral home where his father Njenga Karume was also laid to rest in 2012. The burial is expected to draw family members, business associates, and political leaders from across Kiambu County.
Source: TUKO.co.ke