Renowned media personality Julie Gichuru has penned an emotional tribute to her late father, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Farooq Asif Butt, following his interment.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Gichuru shared a heartfelt message reflecting on her father’s life and legacy.
“Thank you all for your messages. Thank you 🙏 Thank you 🙏 The kind sentiments are heartwarming. The memories and stories are healing. We deeply appreciate it. I deeply appreciate it. Our paratrooper is airborne 🕊 He is resting now 🙏 Till we meet again Papa. I love you forever ❤️❤️❤️,” she wrote.
Mourning a patriot
Gichuru first announced the passing of her father on February 1, 2025, describing him as a principled, loving, and fiercely dedicated patriot.
“An officer and a gentleman has rested. My father, Farooq Asif Butt, Lt Col (Ret), has rested,” she shared on Instagram.
She expressed deep gratitude for his role in shaping her into the strong woman she is today.
“It is an honour to be your daughter. Thank you for consciously and deliberately nurturing me into a strong woman. Thank you for your love and your care. I honour you. I honour you.”
A life of dedication and service
Remembering her father’s dedication to Kenya and Africa, Gichuru highlighted his unwavering commitment to his values and service.
“You lived a life of considered and unconventional choices — your choices. Boldly made. You loved and served Kenya — and Africa — fiercely, with commitment and dedication. You stood on your principles — unflinching, courageously. Your blood runs so strong in my veins — warm, loving, caring, and incredibly fierce when necessary.”
Bidding him a solemn farewell, Gichuru took solace in the belief that her father has reunited with loved ones who passed before him.
“Rest dad. We honour you. May our loved ones on the other side welcome you with great love, pomp, and ceremony, and may you feel the joy of that reunion, even as we grieve our loss here on earth. Kwaheri ya kuonana, Afande. My heart will take some comfort in the knowledge that we shall be together again. I love you dad, thank you.”
