Vicks Kingo star remembered as humble family man

Joseph Gregory Muriithi, the face behind the popular Vicks Kingo advert, has been eulogised as a humble and dedicated family man.

Muriithi, fondly known as Joe, died at his home in Thika at the age of 81. According to his wishes, his remains were cremated at Kariokor Crematorium.

The Vicks Kingo advert became widely popular and was a staple on Kenyan television in the 1980s and 1990s. It is remembered as a classic from the era of black-and-white television, featuring a memorable jingle and storyline that helped make the brand a household name.

The advert continues to feature in discussions as a top throwback memory, reflecting its lasting impact on Kenyan pop culture, with many associating it with childhood.

Muriithi, who appeared in the Vicks Kingo medicated throat lozenges advert, is remembered as a familiar figure from vintage television commercials. The advert highlighted relief provided by menthol and eucalyptus drops.

"hhhmmm it really works.... my throat is clear... and my voice is muuuuch better.... Asante sana..." Muriithi says in the advert.

During his requiem mass at St Patrick Catholic Church in Thika town, family and friends described him as a humble and dedicated family man who left a lasting impact.

In a tribute, his wife Lilian Muriithi described him as a family icon, saying his life was defined by faith, family and quiet strength.

“He lived a life marked by faith, family and quiet strength. Joe’s greatest joy in his later years was his grandchildren, in whose eyes his legacy lives on,” Lilian Muriithi said.

His granddaughter Malaika Ruai remembered him as a humorous storyteller.

“The times we spent, we ‘Guka’ will forever remain entrenched in our hearts. The stories he’d tell us and the way he did it proved that he was indeed an icon,” Ruai said.

Fredrick Giturwa alias Kinyambi, a friend, said Muriithi played an integral role in Gatuanyaga village, where he lived, serving as a community leader whose advice was widely sought.

“He has participated in many community forums within Gatuanyaga and the larger Thika East sub-county, assisting in settling disputes, fostering peace and contributing to community growth,” Kinyambi said.

Muriithi’s contribution to the advertising industry, particularly through the Vicks Kingo advert, remains widely recognised, with the commercial remembered as a nostalgic throwback that helped cement the product as a household name in Kenya.