Nanyuki has been plunged into grief following the death of fitness enthusiast and community figure Patrick Muriithi, aka Palmer Pato, who passed away shortly after landing a life-changing job opportunity in the United Kingdom.
The fitness influencer, who also worked at a restaurant in Nanyuki, had been set to join the Royal Navy, a dream he shared with close friends just weeks before his death.
He is survived by a wife and child. Friends, influencers and members of the Nanyuki community have taken to social media to pour out their grief, remembering a man who, by all accounts, lit up every room he walked into.
Nanyuki fraternity remembers Palmer Pato
Among those who shared tributes was Wanene Grace, who recalled the casual but meaningful moments they shared at a local spot.
“You were always kind, warm, and encouraging. Those little chats, town updates, and laughter at Java Nanyuki became cherished moments. Java Nanyuki will never feel quite the same without you,” she wrote. “Rest in perpetual light. May God comfort your family and all who loved you.”
MC Josee, real name Hon. Joseph Muriira, described Pato as a force of nature who was deeply committed to his community. The two had been teammates in Nanyuki Team Zoezi, a fitness group, and he credited the young man with bringing energy and brotherhood wherever he went.
“Patoh was full of life, always bringing his energy and spirit wherever he went. He was also a young man who cared about his community and actively involved himself in issues affecting the people around him,” MC Josee wrote. “His passing is a deeply painful loss, not only to his family and friends, but to the wider Nanyuki fraternity,” he wrote.
Pato’s last conversations before the UK trip
Perhaps the most poignant tribute came from influencer Koinange Wahome, who revealed that he and Pato had spoken recently about the opportunity to travel to the UK.
“Only recently, we sat together and spoke about his opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom and join the Royal Navy. He was full of excitement, sharing updates with me and speaking with hope and anticipation about the journey ahead. It was a conversation filled with dreams, possibilities, and the promise of a new chapter,” Wahome wrote. “I never knew that it would be among our last.”
Wahome extended his condolences to Pato’s wife and family, adding:
“To Pato’s wife, family, friends, and loved ones, I extend my deepest condolences. May God grant you strength in this difficult hour, comfort your hearts, and surround you with His grace. May the love and memories you shared with Patrick sustain you through the days ahead. We mourn a dear friend, celebrate a life that mattered, and entrust his soul to the mercy of the Almighty. Rest in eternal peace, my friend. Fare thee well, Pato. May your memory remain a blessing, and may we never forget the warmth you brought into our lives.”
TikToker Borana Dimple Girl broke down recalling her last moments with her best friend, Pato. Below is her video:
@boranagilr♬ original sound – borana dimple girl🇰🇪🇺🇸
The outpouring of tributes paints a picture of a young man who had touched many lives through his warmth, his dedication to fitness, and his genuine care for the people around him. For many in Nanyuki, the loss feels deeply personal.
