Kenyan Businessman Edward Kirathe Mourns Death of Son in the UK

An inquest into the death of 20-year-old Kenyan student Christopher Muriithi Kirathe is scheduled to begin in Manchester on Tuesday morning.

Kirathe, the son of Acorn Group founder and chief executive Edward Kirathe, died on 8 October in Manchester, where he was studying Computer Science at the University of Manchester. His death has left family, friends and the wider Kenyan community in the United Kingdom deeply saddened.

Preparations are underway to repatriate his body to Kenya, with arrival expected on Saturday, 25 October. Upon landing in Nairobi, the remains will be taken to Lee Funeral Home, after which details of the burial will be announced. 

The process highlights the strong cultural and family connections maintained by Kenyan diaspora communities during times of loss. In Manchester, members of the local Kenyan community have come together to support the bereaved family. Community organiser Njambi Ruth expressed the shared grief and called for compassion and unity among members.

“Let’s take a moment to appreciate each other’s wins, challenges, happy moments, and tough times,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking to hear about young lives cut short, like Christopher’s. Rest in peace, young man. Let’s keep his family in our prayers.”

Ruth also urged the community to look out for one another’s wellbeing, adding, “We never know what someone might be going through. Let’s be there for one another offer a listening ear, show compassion, and support each other through both joy and sorrow.”