Kenyans join TV personality Janet Mbugua in mourning Eric Gambi Guantai

By Janet Mbugua via fb

When we first met Eric Guantai Mugambi as a foundation, we asked our advocates why they care to advance human rights, particularly gender equality rights, I remember him rising, his tall form and laid back demeanor in contrast with his bold statements. That he grew up surrounded by women, raised alongside strong women, intent to normalize pushing for gender equality.

When we formed the #InuaDadaVoices, a youth-led program which is a mix of passion, talent, effort and so much energy to behold from this generation, he became one of our male advocates.

His passion and zeal were relentless and consistent. Yes, he admits that the conversations he would amplify around ending gender-based violence would often mean he would end up having to defend himself against naysayers.

When I would later ask him, during an interview about male allies, if it affected his morale, he said no, it only made him more determined to stand on the right side of history. That our program through my Inua Dada Foundation, validated his advocacy.

On June 26th 2021, at one of our landmark events as a foundation, I saw an emboldened version of Eric. He mentioned that he now had capacity, credibility and confidence…and that men are ready to use their power and privilege to stand with and for women. With Eric, it never felt contrived. It was genuine and organic. I truly believe he was going to go on to become a powerful voice in the space…but now we must say goodbye to him, just one week after he shared his wonderful testimonial.

We have lost a feminist, a Gender Equality advocate. A brother, a son, an amplifier. Let Eric’s life remind us that we must take up our spaces and stand on the right side of history. In the words of Martin Luther King, a quote that Eric mentioned many times, ‘In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.’

Rest In Peace, Eric. We will not be silent, we will keep your passion and advocacy alive.

#RIPEricGuantai #InuaDadaVoices Inua Dada

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A post shared by Janet Mbugua (@officialjanetmbugua)

Below are condolences from other Kenyans on Tweeter;

Shine don’t get comfortable when dining with kings, be the King or the head of the table ~ @EricGuantai

What a great msg. #RIPEricGuantai @guantai_ @InuaDada pic.twitter.com/w9DV9CzS0g

— Prof. Onchiri ???????? (@Onchiri_) July 9, 2021

Forever in our hearts ???? #RIPEricGuantai pic.twitter.com/uRCUUywfw5

— Kathure Kiogora (@KathureSasha) July 9, 2021

I remember Eric from Kagumo High school class of 2014 as an eloquent, cool yet decisive prefect. Later met him in Jkuat tech house. He stood for what was right and wasn’t afraid to put that out. We’ve lost him young but his impact proceeds him. #RIPEricGuantai

— Lҽ-ƙυɳƚα™⚛️ (@Kuntacodes) July 9, 2021

“Ladies are precious, there really isn’t a reason why they shouldn’t have an equal place at the table.” ~Eric Mugambi Guantai.#RIPEricGuantai

— NAIROBI ???????? (@Nai_robii) July 9, 2021

When we formed the #InuaDadaVoices, a youth-led program which is a mix of passion, talent, effort and so much energy to behold from this generation, Eric Guantai became one of our male advocates.
His passion and zeal were relentless and consistent. #RIPEricGuantai pic.twitter.com/lzsgz08F0y

— Janet Mbugua (@OfficialJMbugua) July 7, 2021

#RIPEricGuantai for the love you had for selfies and for the great humour you always brought in the office,we will truly miss you champ, rest well till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/9KFfgZpIgz

— Mary Kirafa (@SerahChox) July 9, 2021

Death is the river and the source. Eric Guantai is gone but his legacy is with us#RIPEricGuantai

— Amerix (@MigunaTEAM) July 9, 2021

I remember Eric from Kagumo High school class of 2014 as an eloquent, cool yet decisive prefect. Later met him in Jkuat tech house. He stood for what was right and wasn’t afraid to put that out. We’ve lost him young but his impact proceeds him. #RIPEricGuantai

— Lҽ-ƙυɳƚα™⚛️ (@Kuntacodes) July 9, 2021

Today we light candles for you! ????#RIPEricGuantai https://t.co/nn00Enfe0m pic.twitter.com/PhDyFCq4I1

— Lonki (@LoreenLonki) July 7, 2021

“Ladies are precious, there really isn’t a reason why they shouldn’t have an equal place at the table.” ~Eric Mugambi Guantai.#RIPEricGuantai

— NAIROBI ???????? (@Nai_robii) July 9, 2021

#RIPEricGuantai
Fare thee well???? https://t.co/WSBVDd2Oli

— Rae Njuguna (@raenjuguna) July 8, 2021

#RIPEricGuantai Forever in our hearts Champ. @InerelaKenya We will forever cherish the times spent with you, a team player and a dedicated colleague, we truly celebrate you, rest well till we meet again. https://t.co/xvTniISCNE

— INERELA+ Kenya (@InerelaKenya) July 8, 2021

Eric believed that ladies are special and they should be given a chance at the table. This message will be echoed by our actions at @InuaDada, for @EricGuantai #ha2tasita #RIPEricGuantai pic.twitter.com/YwljHSLHYE

— It’s JN Shine™ (@JohnNgeru) July 7, 2021

With Eric, it never felt contrived. It was genuine and organic. I truly believe he was going to go on to become a powerful voice in the space…but now we must say goodbye to him, just one week after he shared his wonderful testimonial. #RIPEricGuantai

— Janet Mbugua (@OfficialJMbugua) July 7, 2021

@EricGuantai came into my life at a very important part of my life. He use to tell me “Shine dont get comfortable with dining with kings, be the King or the head of the table” this message will forever be in my mind. #RIPEricGuantai RIP BRO ????️????️@guantai_ @InuaDada pic.twitter.com/sDA4pbdi0X

— It’s JN Shine™ (@JohnNgeru) July 7, 2021