Kenyans woke up to an intriguing death announcement that the bore the picture of business mogul Jimmy Wanjigi in one of the local dailies.
This was a major error as Wanjigi is very much alive.
The daily in its obituary section used Wanjigi’s photo in announcing the death announcement of businessman James Richard Wanjagi.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of James Richard Wanjagi on 30th January 2018 which occurred after a failed armed robbery in Nairobi’s Karen estate,” read the obituary on today’s Daily Nation, death announcement section.
The slain businessman is a different person from the well known tycoon who has political affiliations with NASA.
The obituary described the deceased as the son of a James Maina and Wambui Magari and husband to Irene.
It also says he is father to Maina Wanjagi and Wambui Wanjagi who is currently pursuing studies at Institut LeRosey in Switzerland.
In a twist though, it read that the funeral was on February 6-yesterday and also mentions Kwacha Industries, one of the franchise owned by Wanjigi.
“The cortege leaves Lee funeral home on February 6th and funeral to take place at the same day at all Saints Cathedral.”
Baffled by this, Kenyans took to twitter posing questions regarding the death announcement.
Blogger Robert Alai asked when Wanjigi passed on since Kenyans have no information regarding his death.
“Daily Nation, did Jimmy Wanjigi die without our knowledge?” Alai asked.
“Death Announcement appearing on page 49 of today’s Daily Nation. Today is 7th February, the funeral is to take place on the 6th of February. But that’s not the point,” FQanini said.
One Sir Silvesta read an ulterior motive behind the advert saying the real Wanjigi could have paid for it.
“To me, it looks like Jimmy Wanjigi published this himself. He paid for it,” said he.
Karani Mutonga added: “From the father, children, wife, home, company it’s all Wanjigi. Apart from the name change to Wanjagi.”
Wanjigi has been a popular figure within Kenyan political circles. He extensively featured in NASA campaigns during the August 8 polls and afterwards when police raided his home looking unlicensed armory.