Tribute by KTN’s Dr Mercy Korir: ET302 crash robbed us of a stellar doctor, one Dr Grace Kariuki. A jolly soul and humble being, Grace was my med school classmate for five years. We are deeply saddened. Words cannot express the loss that is felt by all who knew Grace. The world has lost and heaven has taken back its own. 

Tribute by London School of Tropical Medicine’s (LSTM’s) Principal Investigator for Tupumue, Professor Kevin Mortimer: “We were looking forward to working with Dr Kariuki and supporting her career as a rising star in the field. It is devastating to learn and hard to believe that this is now not to be. May she rest in peace. LSTM wishes to send heartfelt condolences to the Kenyan Ministry of Health.

Tribute by Dr Kibachio Mwangi, Head of NCD Division at the Ministry of Health (her boss): I was mentoring this young mind alongside other FELTP epidemiology residents to take over and take us to the next level in NCD prevention and control. Dr Grace Kariuki, each time we see a little cloud, or a rainbow soaring high, we’ll think of you and gently, wipe a tear from our eye.

Tribute by Dr Jack Kileba: It’s only in January that we bumped into each other at a supermarket. I hadn’t seen her since college. She was very jolly, upbeat and had lots of plans on the way. It’s very devastating that she is now gone. May the Lord comfort her family.

Tribute by Dr Ben Omolo: I was with Grace at some cardiac conference just two weeks ago. She was representing the ministry. This is deeply saddening. Oh God, why?

Tribute by Dr Mark Murerwa: Very sad. She was a very genial person. May she rest in peace and may God comfort her family.

Tribute by Dr Oren Ombiro: Grace, I am still in denial. For the two years I worked with you at the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, I came to know you as one of the most devoted, committed and passionate public servants. You were always ready to help. I remember the many days we left the office late into the night working on reports, policy documents and projects. You were the best team member, colleague and friend one would have. You were fun company, always jovial and radiated positivity. May your good work and happy spirit live on. RIP Grace.

Dr. Grace Kariuki undertook her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in the University of Nairobi between 2006 and 2011. She served as a Medical Superintendent at Kianyaga Sub-County Hospital after which she joined the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) in 2016.

Grace was a brilliant resident, hardworking and passionate. She led several investigations and projects in the two years and delivered good quality work with minimal supervision. True to the spirit of a field epidemiologist, she was always ready to go to the field, take on a task, and paid attention to detail. She was one of the mentors for Field Epidemiology trainings. She joined the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases in 2017 where she was the focal person for chronic lung diseases and the chair of the National Lung Health Technical Working Group under the NCD Interagency Coordinating Committee.

Tribute by Dr Samson Amwoka: Grace was one of the friendliest persons I have known. She was full of happiness and a hearty laughter. She was kind and very noble. May God bring comfort to family and friends. It’s tragic.

Tribute by Dr Kevin Ombati, Consultant Radiologist AKUHN: Memories of Dr Grace Kariuki are filled with honesty, humility and kindness. She was a devoted Christian who served in the Christian Union in campus and later was a selfless public servant in the Ministry of Health. The medical fraternity and the country have lost a true servant.

Tribute by Dr Grace Kanyi: When that travel manifest was shared, I did not expect to see your name there. She is not number 87. She is not the 32 Kenyans. She is Dr Grace Murugi Kariuki. I choose to remember you by your smile. Grace had a smile for everyone. I would know - she was my neighbor for the last two years in campus. She was always bubbly, even when she attempted to be serious. Beautiful, kind hearted, ever smiling soul with an infectious laughter.

Tribute by Dr Gladwell Gathecha, colleague and mentor, Head, Violence and Injury Prevention Unit:

Beautiful soul both in and out, always ready to help, often going out of your way. You had a lot to offer with your brilliant mind in the public health arena and the future had become brighter for you. Fare thee well Grace.

Tribute by Dr Ngina Kisangau: Grace was full of life. She had the most beautiful smile I know, was hardworking, honest to a fault and the best friend one could wish for.

Tribute by Dr Michael Mulongo: I remember her hearty laugh and selflessness during our time as vice chairs in Med School CU.

Tribute by Jared Owuor Mbete, Aga Khan University Hospital Resident Anaesthesia: Grace was such a lovely and joyous lady, very ambitious and a go-getter. She was a sister to all while to some a 'mum' as far as faith is concerned. We shall surely miss her. Condolences to the family and God's grace.

Tribute by Zachary Ndegwa - friend, mentor and Program Officer, National Diabetes Prevention and Control Program: Grace, what a beautiful soul you were, you spread love, laughter and warmth wherever you went. You were focused, committed and outgoing. I will always remember the zeal that you had in ensuring that the national clinical guidelines for the management of diabetes was finalized. I wouldn't have done it without you. May your soul rest in eternal peace.

Tribute by Dorcas Kiptui; Grace's Friend, Colleague and Mentor - Head, Tobacco Control Unit, Division of Non-communicable Diseases:

Grace fare thee well Smily. A hard working, determined and fashionista professional she was. We mostly shared a desk in the office with Grace and I was eagerly looking forward to spending the next four weeks to know her better during the training we were to attend together beginning Monday, March 11, 2019. I was very sure I would see you on Sunday evening and have dinner with you, laughing as you tell me your story of the pyramids I believe you had just see in Pharaoh's land. We make all plans but God has the final say.

I am privileged to have known you professionally and socially - most memorable moments include doing Karaoke in Machakos. I believe you have found peace in your present place. May the Lord comfort your family; give them strength to cope with these devastating moments and in future to find joy in your absence. May your beautiful and happy soul rest with God.