Nelson Munene Kimathi

We gather here today to honor and remember Nelson Munene Kimathi, a remarkable young man whose life was a beacon of love, kindness, and adventure. Born on Thursday, June 5, 1997, in Kionyo, Abogeta West, Meru County, Nelson, left us far too soon on Sunday, July 21, 2024. 

He was a beloved son of Paul Kimathi Arithi, Catherine Kathure Nkabu and Lucy Mugambi. He was the first-born son of the Kimathi Arithi Family. He is survived by his sister Vivian Ntinyari and brothers Neema Mutuma Kimathi and Johari Gitonga Kimathi. He was grandson of Anyesse M’Arithi and late David M’Arithi Mathiu, Gladys and late Julius Mutwiri and a great-grandson to late Nkabu Maingi, and late Florence Nkabu. He was a nephew to Magdaline Ombogo and Sammy, Lucy Arithi, Mary Arithi, Joyce Arithi and Nyaga, Agnes Arithi, Irene and late Gitobu Arithi, Kinoti Arithi and Edith, Beatrice and late Mwenda Arithi, John Arithi and Christine (USA), Stephen Arithi and Purity, and Sammy Arithi and Rhodah. Dear cousin to Caroline Mwenda (USA), Nelly Mwenda (USA), Catherine, Enoch, Zipporah (Zippy), Faith, Brian, Brendan, Bramuel, Jacinta, Kirimi, Wellington, Anthony, Ethan (USA), Joy, Joan, Oliver, Miguel, Keith, and Kennedy Kinoti. Nelson was an uncle to Nixon, Eddyjoe, Glory, Geoffrey, Debra, Gian, Gracious, Jayden, Adley, and Myles.

From his early childhood, Nelson was known for his inquisitive nature, adventurous spirit, and love for fashion. One vivid memory from his childhood was when he decided to leave his mother’s family before the age of 10 to join his father’s family. Thereafter, every moment of life became many major moments that perfectly encapsulated by independence, his fearless approach to life, his insatiable curiosity, fun and adventure. He loved sports such as soccer, basketball, and football. He was an avid Manchester United (Man-U) fan. Sometimes he would take a day off work to watch sports. 

Nelson’s educational journey took him through several institutions, each contributing to the well-rounded, independent person we all came to love. In 2001, he began his education at Machikine Primary School, attending kindergarten to grade 4. He then moved to Gangara Primary School for grade 5 before proceeding to PCEA Kanyakine Boys Boarding School for his upper primary education, where he completed his grade 8 KCPE examination. Nelson joined Nkubu Boys High School for grades 9-11 until spring 2014, when he emigrated to the US with his dad and brothers. He completed grade 11 at Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska. After moving with his dad to the Seattle metro area in Washington, he finished his 12th grade at Woodinville High School, graduating in spring 2016.

Nelson started his higher education at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Washington, majoring in Computer Science and Political Science until summer 2018, when he relocated with his dad to Denver/Aurora, CO. In Colorado, he pursued several IT courses in Cyber Security, aiming to work full-time in the thriving US IT industry. Until he met his death, he was pursuing studies to join an undergraduate program in Political Science and complete a computer certification in Cloud Coding. Throughout his academic career, Nelson received several awards and honors, a testament to his dedication and hard work.

Nelson’s career and professional life were equally impressive. He worked in various roles, showcasing his ambitious and independent nature. He was employed in customer service departments at McDonalds in Millard, Nebraska, Ross in Everett, Washington, and as an independent contractor/delivery driver with DoorDash in both Seattle Metro, Washington, and Denver Metro, Colorado and most recently at Denver International Airport. He reported to his parents and brothers that he enjoyed doing gig work and was always striving to improve, provide for himself and meet his financial obligations. His colleagues remember him as a passionate, reliable, kind, and hardworking individual who brought positive energy to every task he undertook.

Nelson was not only dedicated to his work but also to his community where he participated in a lot of community activities organized by his peers, Kenyan Community, and local churches. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling to different places, immersing himself in different cultures, and attending social events with close family and friends. His best friends remember him for his infectious laughter, his adventurous spirit, and his unwavering loyalty. He brought joy and warmth to everyone who knew him, making each gathering a memorable one. Nelson will be best remembered for his kind and sensitive soul, his love for adventure, and his ability to make everyone feel special. His spirit of exploration and his love for life were evident in everything he did, from his travels to his everyday interactions. 

He was always passionate about politics and public policy as evidenced in his persistent social media posts advocating for political and economic change and social justice during the 2024 Gen-Z protests in Kenya. 

Though we mourn his untimely passing and the cruel nature of his passing, let us also celebrate the beautiful and handsome life he led. Nelson’s legacy is one of love, kindness, empathy and adventure, and it will continue to inspire us all. He is survived by his parents, sister, and brothers, who will carry forward his memory and spirit.

As we remember Nelson, let us cherish the moments we shared with him and find comfort in the knowledge that his spirit will be memorialized and live on in our hearts. Rest in peace, Nelson Kimathi. Your journey may have ended, but your legacy will endure in our memories forever. We love you now and will forever do so. To God Be the Glory!