Until his passing, I'd worked for mzee for twenty one years. I had started with him as a young man, and he took a fatherly figure with me over the years. He has guided me throughout my political career, teaching me how to live a fulfilling life. How to speak up for myself. He'd usually joke with me saying 'Tam uretua mboga ukarangwo nu?' Mzee you have taught me everything I know, it's hard to believe your gone to heaven where you're now seated together with Jesus. Till we meet again up there...rest well

As some may know my grandfather, Simon K. Kiarie passed away on April 20th, four years after that fateful morning when he was shot while driving home. Close family members were there during his final moments. Unlike the the constant pain he endured during the last four years, his final moments were quiet and he actually smiled a little. He went peacefully with no drugs, & no pain. I am grateful that I was able to be with him, to tell him that I loved him, and that he was the best guka (grandfather), and friend that I could ever have hope to have. His courage & bravery in his human rights works touched so many, and left a lasting impression on us all. While many will remember him for his outspokenness, he will always be something much more than a political activist. He was Guka.