Elachi’s advice to parents as she recounts her late son Elvis' last moments

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi on Friday delivered a moving tribute reflecting on her son’s life, his final moments, and the lessons parents can take from his tragic passing.

Speaking at the requiem mass for her son, Elvis Murakana Namenya, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Kileleshwa on Friday, Elachi described her son as an introverted but passionate young man, who had a deep love for football, music, and his church.

She revealed that on the night of his passing, he had gone to bed early but was called upon by his friends for an urgent errand.

“He was in bed at 10:30 PM when he was called for an errand. He rushed to help and did it well,” Elachi recounted. However, tragedy struck on his way back when his car suffered a tyre burst.

She explained how young people often lack crucial knowledge about handling such situations. “When a car gets a tyre burst, you should not hit the emergency brakes, as the car will skid. Instead, you should hold on to the steering wheel and hope it comes to a stop,” she advised. Sadly, the impact of the accident caused a fatal head injury, leading to his death.

Elachi used the moment to urge parents to pray for the current generation of young people, noting that many try to handle challenges alone, often without informing their parents.

"We have a generation that believes they can sort out their own problems. They will wake up at any hour when faced with a challenge, but they won’t tell you. They will go, handle the problem, and only inform you if they are unable to resolve it and there is a crisis," she said.

She emphasized the importance of open communication between children and parents, urging young people to always inform their parents when stepping out to help a friend. “Even when you are going to assist, tell your parents. Don’t wait until after you have helped to inform them,” she advised.

Elachi said she hopes her son’s passing will serve as a lesson for the young people she mentors.

Ending her tribute, she encouraged young people to pray before leaving home, asking God to guide their steps and bring them back safely. 

"Prayers sustain people. I want to tell young people: before you walk out of your mother’s door or your own, remember to pray. Ask God to open doors as you go out and to bring you back home safely."

"I have told God that Elvis will be my testimony. The few young people I walk this journey with—they will have to change. Even when they are going to help their friends, it is good, but they must remember to tell their parents," Elachi concluded.