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The NGO Council of Kenya had joined UNAids in morning the demise of Joe Muriuki, the first Kenyan to go public about his HIV status in 1987.
The NGO Council in its tribute to Muriuki through the Council Chairman Stephen Cheboi said Muriuki was a warrior of the 21st century who had battled the disease despite the widespread stigma and isolation.
The NGO Council said Muriuki was a living example of “unremitting resilience in the battle against AIDS” and had become an enduring symbol of hope for nearly 1 million Kenyans living with HIV. The late Muriuki proved to all that even with HIV your dreams are valid” said Cheboi paraphrasing actress Lupita Nyongo.
Despite losing his job at the Nairobi city council, he never gave up, NGO Councill Chair described Muriuki as a 21st century “warrior”.
The disabling stigma he faced, the council said was enough to break even the strongest of warriors.
But a gallant Muriuki picked up the pieces and moved on forming an NGO of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Cheboi said the council was with the Muriuki family at this time of mourning the “HIV warrior” who has left an indelible mark in the fight against AIDS.
In several media interviews Muriuki claimed he had achieved more as an HIV infected person living positively than he would have done without it.
He put up a house and established businesses while raising a happy family despite the HIV stigma.
As the soft spoken accountant kept appearing at speaking at public forums some doubting thomasses claimed he was not positive!