By Dr Gideon Gono
My family and I received with deep sadness the news of Dr Munyaradzi Kereke’s passing this morning at Avenues Clinic in Harare. To his fatribute mily, friends, former colleagues and all who knew and loved him, we extend our heartfelt condolences.
At a time like this, words feel inadequate. Behind the name and the public life was a man whose presence mattered deeply to his family. Today, they face the painful reality of his absence. Our hearts are with them.
For nine years of my tenure as Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, Dr Kereke served as my Advisor. Working closely with him, I came to know his intellectual brilliance, sharp analytical mind and remarkable capacity for hard work. He brought energy, conviction and determination to the responsibilities entrusted to him.
During some of our country’s most difficult years, he contributed ideas and helped develop measures intended to protect the economy from collapse. I remember those contributions with gratitude, and I honour the effort he gave during that demanding period of our working lives.
Our relationship also endured painful seasons. That is part of our story, and I acknowledge it honestly. But I am deeply grateful that pain was not where our story ended.
In time, we found our way back to one another. Following his release from prison, he came to see me and offered an apology, adding to those he had made publicly. I accepted it, and we renewed our friendship. Our families drew close once more.
When he visited my office on 16 April 2026, we shared the warmth and smiles of a friendship restored. Today, that memory means more than I can easily express. We had the opportunity to make peace, and we took it. I will always be thankful for that.
After his family told me that he was unwell, I visited him in hospital on Sunday, 4 October, together with members of his family. I could not have known how soon we would be saying goodbye. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be there and to show my care while he was still with us.
His passing brings home a truth we all know, yet so often live as though we can postpone: one day, each of us will travel this same path. None of us knows how much time remains. We all carry achievements, regrets, weaknesses and hopes. We all need grace.
That is why making peace matters. Why forgiveness matters. Why we should express our care while those we love can still receive it. I take comfort in knowing that, despite everything we had been through, there was peace between us.
To Mai Tinashe, Tinashe, Sharon, Kennedy and the wider Kereke family: we share in your sorrow. May God sustain you through the difficult days ahead, comfort you in the quiet moments when his absence is felt most deeply, and surround you with people who will carry this grief with you. My family and I stand with you.
Farewell, Dr Kereke, my “Sachiterekojime”.
I will remember your brilliance, the years we worked together, and the friendship we were able to restore. I am grateful that we did not leave our reconciliation until it was too late.
Rest in eternal peace. May the Lord hold your family close and grant comfort to all who mourn you.
Dr Gideon Gono and Family
