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The church-loving family matron made sure nobody left her house without a meal first.Read the full tribute →
His son, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, remembered him as street-wise and sharp.Read the full tribute →
Kalonzo Musyoka eulogises his late father as a ‘street wise’ operator
Former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka recently amused mourners when he described his late father, Mzee Peter Musyoka Mairu as a street wise operator. Daring his political opponents to challenge his new political direction, the Wiper Democratic Party supremo told those who wanted to take him head on that they will soon learn that he (Kalonzo) ‘ni mang’aa kama baba yangu’ (As streetwise as my father.
Such was the bonhomie and celebrative mood as mourners gathered at Tseikuru village in Mwingi to commemorate the life of a patriarch who left indelible mark in his long life. What he lacked in formal education, Mzee Musyoka compensated by inborn intellect and hard learned diplomacy.
His grandson Kennedy Musyoka Kalonzo jokingly told the gathering that his grandfather ‘alisomea kwa dirisha’ (got his education through the window, meaning he never attended formal schools). This did not diminish his burning desire to succeed, defying all the odds to become a successful businessman, a political mobiliser and a respectable family man.
Mzee Musyoka’s diplomatic acumen was put to the test when in 1975, as a businessman trading in livestock in the then largely lawless northern Kenya he ran afoul of bandits who took him hostage intent on robbing him of both his money and the cattle he had bought from them. He negotiated his freedom two days later by offering his abductors a packet of cigarettes a precious commodity not readily available in the bush. Talk of cigarette diplomacy! Probably where his son Kalonzo got his diplomacy acumen, serving for a long time as Kenya’s diplomat number one as minister for Foreign Affairs.
Mzee was born in Kathungu Village of the then Tseikuru/ Mivukoni Location to the late Mairu and Kamene Kamami. His late mother Teti Mairu hailed from Katse Location in present day Mumoni Division. Mzee was the third born son, after the late Mwanza Mairu, Mzee Mburu Mairu (now aged over 100 years). His followers are the late Komu Mairu and Nzisa w/o Katumbu.
As has been said above, Mzee never went to school but was an astute mathematician, knowledge of which he acquired “through the window”- (alisomea dirishani) in Mombasa where he worked as a casual labourer at the Kilindini Port, a hands on and practical education which would put him in good stead in his business as a shopkeeper.
Mzee married his first wife, the late Sarah Malia Musyoka in the late forties and were blessed with two children:
He later married his second wife, Mama Agnes Muli Musyoka, with whom they were blessed with eleven children, namely:-
Mzee also married his third wife, Regina Kasyoka Musyoka, with whom they were blessed with Eight children namely:
Christine Mutui, Kennedy Musyoka Kalonzo, Agnes Muthui, Maureen Muema; are among 39 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Mzee started the business of buying and selling hides and skins, and later was able to buy a second-hand bus which he named “Ngalange Bus Service” plying the Kibwezi- Usueni route and was in partnership with the late councilor Mzee John Ngui Ndana. After a few years, the bus company collapsed and mzee went hiding from his creditors, most whom were based in Thika. Mzee by now, an experienced risk taker started his retail shop in Tseikuru market in the early sixties after renting the premises owned by The Mwamanzi (Mohamed) family; this he did in partnership with the late Mzee Muthangya Kithunga and the late Mbiti Mue.
He enjoyed excellent business relationship with prominent business people in Kitui including, the late Mzee Kyambati Marete, Musya Ngunza, Mzee Salim Ahamed Taib, Ahamed Talib Mahdi, Ahamed Abubakar Bajaber Swaleh Abubakar Bajaber.
He was also an experienced livestock dealer and would buy cattle in the nearby markets, like Kina, in Isiolo, Garissa and Ishiara
Mzee was baptized, Peter Musyoka on the 2nd May 2015 at Faith Baptist Church, Tseikuru. After accepting Christ as his savior, he remained an active member of the congregation until he was taken ill.
Mzee enjoyed exercising his political rights and was involved in the political agitation for our country’s independence. He was a strong supporter of the late Paul Ngei and his political party (APP) during the first hotly contested elections involving KANU, KADU and APP.
During the general elections of 1974, when teachers country-wide were allowed to contest as candidates, Mzee formed a political lobby group nicknamed “The black September Movement”. He formed this group with his long time friend Mwalimu Francis Mwangangi in order to elect as Councillor Mwalimu Charles Nguli. They were joined in this effort by his son-in-Law John Mutui Kieti. Councillor Charles Nguli won with a landslide majority.
His interest and active participation in politics proved a great asset when his son, Stephen Kalonzo ran for election as Member of Parliament for Kitui North in 1983 and in subsequent elections. His last major political event was in 2017, when he attended as an observer the delegates conference of Wiper Democratic Movement-Kenya (WDM-K). His son was endorsed as the party’s Presidential flag bearer. When he was introduced, he was given a standing ovation.
He strongly believed in the unity of our country and looked forward to the day when our country would experience detribalized campaigns and leadership.
Our father has enjoyed excellent health until early this year when he was diagonized with lung cancer. He has been receiving good medical care at the Nairobi Hospital. He slept in the early hours of Sunday 28th October, 2018. The family are grateful for the staff and doctors at the Nairobi Hospital for all the help extended to our late father. Dr. Martin Wanyoike led a team of doctors while Dr Farouk Chaudry has been mzee’s physician over a longer period.
Koma na Muuo Nau
An early love of books and justice pointed toward the legal career that followed.Read the full tribute →
Honorable Godfrey Hilary Oduor: a lover of justice, books, and the arts
Perhaps as a herald of a future stellar career in the legal field, Godfrey Hilary Oduor Awino wrote a brilliant composition while a pupil at St. Lwanga Primary School in Mombasa titled ‘The Bell of Justice’. His teacher, seeing such a unique composition in her teaching career, had to consult her colleagues in the staff room on how to grade the piece of work.
This finesse in whatever he set out to pursue would be the hallmark of Oduor’s life whether in academics or later professionally. Going through life with the nickname Mzee (elder), Oduor would leave milestone after milestone. Oduor who was born on 15th February 1975 , was the firstborn among five children to the late Shadrack Awino Ong’or and the late Rhoda Aomo Awino. He was fondly known by many nicknames; Mzee, OD, Godi, Martin and others are just a testament to the width and depth of relationships he formed with everyone from all walks and stations of life.
The nickname elder was a fitting description of the leadership qualities he exhibited from a young age from his primary school days. His pioneering spirit led to his participation in many extra-curricular activities and clubs making him get opportunities like participating in the opening ceremony of the 4th All African Games in 1987. After primary school, he proceeded to Shimo la Tewa High School in Mombasa before being transferred to Kenyatta High School - Mwatate.
Always the excellent student, he was admitted to the University of Nairobi, Parklands Law Campus, where he graduated with a law degree with the Class of 1998 (aka Makorrigs). Godfrey had unique and wide range of interests; always an artist and a poet at heart, his poems an expression of his deepest reflections only a few had the privilege to see, he had a deep love for books, his bookshelf a small library, his music collection could cater for all genres , he loved being in nature and travelling and would be in complete tranquility at game park, a lake or beach side, engaging his company talking about different philosophical concepts as he enjoyed the peaceful environment.
Born into a strong Christian family Godfrey attended confirmation classes and was confirmed at the then CPK Changamwe, later in life he would profess his Christian faith and would take all opportunities to encourage his family and friends in the journey of finding meaning for this life. Oduor had a stellar career in the Judiciary, joining them in 2001 as a District Magistrate 2. He rose quickly as a result of his meticulous performance to the position of Chief Magistrate with his last station being in Kisumu, having served in Kibera, Keroka, Kisii, Limuru and Nakuru Law courts, a lot of times as the head of station. The number of friends he formed amongst his colleagues and in his profession a statement of his professional etiquette. Always willing to sacrifice his own personal ambition and comfort, Godfrey followed in the footsteps of his late father when he had to put on hold a big part of his own life to take the role of parenting even before entering into employment with such grace striving to ensure all his siblings were well taken care of. Even with these responsibilities, he was generous to a fault and always shared whatever he had, giving both in deed and of his time to make others feel supported through all seasons of life. A stickler for social justice yet always a diplomat, he was always willing to advance and give opportunity to amicably solve any conflict be it from close family members, friends or complete strangers.
He met the love of his life, the Late Becky Mwangi with whom they had their traditional wedding on 9th January 2010 in Mukurweini. They enjoyed a loving relationship which was tragically cut short with the sudden passing on of Becky in February of 2015 as he rushed her to hospital after a sudden heart attack. Even in the face of personal tragedies, he found the strength to soldier own, always shielding those who were close to him, those who looked up to him, wanting to take it in his stride, even when everything seemed to crumble, he kept faith , a confidence in the things he hoped for, assured that he would see them, his only cry for help was to his God to remember him, not to forsake him. We remain trusting that our God is faithful. Today we celebrate a true son, a selfless brother who quickly had to transition into a parent, we celebrate a poet and an artist, a philosopher, we celebrate a husband, a colleague, a mentor and a loyal friend, the list could be as long as the people represented here. We celebrate a good man. and a loyal friend, the list could be as long as the people represented here. We celebrate a good man.
He worshipped in the open air when his church first began, long before it had walls.Read the full tribute →
Samuel Kiambi Kirima: the man who sold mysteries
When Nkunjumu Catholic Church was established in 1982, we worshipped in open air. Then the Christians built a temporary structure with ruthiru (fern) walls.
Then they started fundraising to build a permanent structure. The church would hold monthly fund raisings. A lot of the Christians were small scale farmers and they would bring farm products from arrow roots to beans to cabbage, carrots, chicken, eggs, onions, sugarcane, yams etc.
The farm products would be auctioned at the end of the fundraising. Mr Samuel Kiambi Kirima was the designated auctioneer. Blessed with a great voice and a greater sense of humour, he brought life to the auction. When he came across some item like beans or eggs in an obaque container, he would say in his deep and loud voice: iji ni butonwa (this item has never been seen. It is a mystery).
In other words, even he didn't know what he was selling. Of course he knew! He then would say: ni nkwendia butonwa! Im selling the unseen! And he would proceed to sell butonwa with great energy!
Samweli, as we all called him, was also a farmer. He woke up as early as 3am to tend to his crops and livestock. For a time, he was the leading tea farmer in the village. Kajagi his farm help rode a small bicycle which carried the biggest tea basket as far as we knew.
Three years ago, Samweli suffered a stroke and became bed ridden. Yesterday, he asked that he be hoisted on a couch in his sitting room so that he could follow Christmas Mass on TV and witness the birth of Jesus. And that is how he ended his journey here on earth - celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ!
May he rest in peace. Sending my love to his family. His daughters Idah Njeru and Doreen Kathure; his nephews Samson Ndege and John Mawira and his nieces Purity Kimathi, Christine Gakii Ndege and Josyline Mwendwa.
Friends knew him as a hard-nosed journalist with a patience few could match.Read the full tribute →
A man with the patience akin to Pope Francis, a hard-nosed journalist a lover and a loving father
One would likely lack the words to describe the person and life of Samuel Mwangi Geita but friends and family have tried- ranging from one who saw in Samuel the persevering patience of the head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis to a daughter who sees him a hero even I death and a wife who says he was the most romantic man he has ever met.
Many who came across Samuel met an affable man who was always ready with a joke or something to laugh about. Add on to that a thorough professional who had a nose for a good story, and you begin to get the picture of who the man really was.
Samuel was born on 26/6/1971 in Nakuru County to the late John Giita Watene and the late Esther Mumbi Njoroge. He is the second born in a family of 7 among them: Eunice Nyambura, Lucy Njeri, Loise Wambui Mwangi, Priscilla Wanjiru Nderitu, Zipporah Wanjiku Kingori and Mary Wangui Irungu. He was a stepson of the late Loise Njoki and step brother to Joseph Mwangi Giita.
Samuel joined Irindi Primary School for his nursery education. He sat for KCPE in 1986 and joined Othaya Boys High School where he did his KCSE. He went to Kenya School of Mass Communication, Kenyatta University and the United States International University for his higher education.
In 1991 Samuel joined the Nation Media Group in Mount Kenya Region based in Nyeri where he worked in various departments. He was a news reporter for The Star Newspaper, Citizen Radio and VOA (Voice of America). He was until his death a Communication and Visibility Advisor to the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. He was also a Nairobi businessman under the banner Africa Now Consulting.
Samuel was baptised in Irindi Parish Emmanuel ACK Church in 1981.
SAMUEL met the love of his life, Gladys Some-Mwangi in the year 2003 and got married in 2009. They were blessed with 2 children: Neema Mumbi Chebet Mwangi and John Geita Mwangi. He was son In-law of the late Samuel Some Maswai and Eunice Jepsuge Some.
Samuel was brother In-law of the late Ndungu Kabuthu, Charles Maina, Anne Wangui, Moses Nderitu, the late James Kingori, Joseph Irungu, Gideon Some, Jacob Some, Dr. Seroney Some, the late Zebulon Some, Prof. David Some, the Late Hezekiah Some, Judith Muttai, Wilson Some, Rhoda, Alice, Jane Some, Abimelech, Paul and the Late John Some
He was a nephew to Kimani, Githiga and Zipporah Wanjiku. He is uncle to many children among them: Diana Mumbi, Anne Njeri, Jacinta Mumbi, Wanjugu, Lucy Muthoni, Nyakinyua, Rose Njoki, Caroline Wanjiru, Melvin Giita, Mathew Isaac Kiago, Ivy Chelagat, Derick Maina, Eva Maina, Muthoni, Naftali Mukiri, John Giita, Reagan Irungu and Simon Kariuki.
He was a grandfather to many. He was a nephew to Simon Wambugu Watene, John Kaaba, Nuthu Watene and Wanjiru Watene. He is also a cousin to many.
A committed parent at Jabali Christian Schools and Diamond Kids. He never failed to attend parents’ meetings and always offered to assist the school wherever possible. He loved all people across the divide and never discriminated against any.
He always went out of his way to make others comfortable and brought people together in unity and reconciled those that were not in good terms. A big-hearted man he was.
On 26th Nov 2015, Samuel met his death through a tragic road accident along Thika Super highway near Kenyatta University and died on the spot.
Dad I really love and miss you so much, I wish you were right here with me I remember those moments when you would take us to Mombasa for holiday. You always told us to ensure that we were safe. Thank you for always reminding me to take care of my brother John. Dear daddy rest in peace because I shall surely take care of him. Dad our Sundays were always very interesting, I remember the outings and thank you very much.
Just before the accident you were telling me to be a good girl at home and I obeyed. Then like 20 minutes you just passed away I wish you would be here dad. I will miss you in all my life and remember the good times together. I promise you that I will be a good girl to my mother and will always make you proud.
I know Jonnie will miss you too. Jonnie is already missing you. He keeps kissing your photo. He loves you and we will love you forever.
Four years later…..
I really wish you were here, but you are not. But it is because you were part of God’s plan; Daddy it really hurts me to think of the fact that you are gone. If only you were here to see how I have grown and how I have become this teenager. Dad, it may still be five years but to me it feels like it was one day ago. I still don’t believe you are actually gone, the pain of losing a parent if the worst feeling, especially when you are young. Your passing on taught me how to be mature and handle things in a mature, wise way. NO DAD, ARE YOU REALLY GONE? No. it can’t be, you were the strongest man I ever knew and the fact that you are gone, I don’t know who is going to give me advice that a father should give to their teenage daughter. The other day at school, my friends were talking about how their dads love them and bought them different things and it made me feel really bad and I started regretting because if you were here I know I would never have gotten bullied because you would make sure that no child should hurt me and I know that if you were here you would have made us go for so many adventures. God, I loved my dada so much, but I still have a question that can never be answered; why did you take my dad away from me? The pain I have gone through since has been intense but dad I will always love you and I am pretty sure you are smiling at me in heaven. I LOVE YOU. RIP DADDY
From your loving, caring, beautiful daughter who misses you
Neema Mwangi
Rest in peace dad
Goodbye my lover and friend
By Gladys Some-Mwangi
Where do I begin? Do I begin with the years when we dated or the day we met? Do I begin from when we became a family with the arrival of baby Neema? When the idea of penning a tribute to my beloved departed husband came to me, I thought it would be easy, after all I have spent the last ten or so years with Samuel
Mwangi Geita, my confidant, my friend, my anchor, my critic, my love and my husband all rolled into one.
Looking back, those years must be the best years of my life. Okay, let me reflect on some highlights of the life and times of Mwangi Geita, at least the events that have shaped us as a family. Sometimes back in the year 2003 while on official duty as a reporter with KBC, precisely in the office of the then minister for internal security, Chris Murungaru, a certain well-dressed gentleman smiled and waved at me in the midst of over 20
journalists who awaited a press statement from the minister.
As soon as the statement was done, I rushed down the stairs as the lifts at OP were not functional that day. As
I ran down the stairs to beat the deadline of filing my story in the newsroom, the gentleman that had waved at me in the minister’s office was running after me when I glanced back.
He stretched his hand and kindly requested for my phone number. At first I was hesitant but gave the number anyway and he came across as a very warm and interesting person. One that I knew would be interesting to get to know a little more. One thing led to another and we were soon inseparable. By the time we had the engagement and subsequently the wedding in 2009. I knew I had found myself someone I could spend the rest of my life with.
I feel lucky that I got to spend these past years with Mwangi, I got to spend a lot of quality time with a generous, helpful and humorous man with whom I have two lovely children; Neema and Johnnie. I thank God for these children, as I know now that with Mwangi gone, they will be the focus and joy of my life; I believe this
is what Mwangi would like for me and my two angels.
During the course of my marriage to Mwangi, I have met and interacted with remarkable people in the Church, in the media, in politics and across all cadres of society. Together we strengthened our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, with the ICC church as our fellowship church of choice. Short as the years of my marriage may seem to many people, I can attest that they have been the most enriching years of my life, both spiritually and socially.
Indeed, it has been quite an exciting journey together; and I am proud of what we achieved together as a family and the contributions we made to society, mostly through Mwangi’s generous nature, his journalism and communications career and, generally, his love of life and his passion for helping those in need.
I would like to sincerely thank my members of my immediate families – my in-laws, my mother and my brothers and sisters as well as my relatives and friends for the dedicated support that I received from each and every one of you since that terrible Thursday night when I learnt of Mwangi’s tragic demise. As we bid Mwangi
fare thee well, I hope and pray that God will give me the strength to ensure his legacy lives on in his children.
I thank all of you for your support and friendship, for being there for me, for turning up in large numbers for the meetings at our home, for the successful harambee held on Wednesday towards arrangements for the burial of my beloved Mwangi. I thank you all for joining our family in Mwangi’s final journey and for mourning with us at this time.
Neema and Johnnie, together with the memories of our time together with Mwangi all these years will remain one of the high points of my life. Forever rest in the arms of the Lord my love. I will forever cherish all the moments we spent together as lovers and family.
Rest with the angels my dear.
…….four years later….
Is it really 4years already?.....So how do I begin telling this story of pain, fear of the unknown without my darling Geita, of joys of knowing who true friends are .....of the long lonely nights.....the missed kisses and cuddles, the elusive love.....school meetings without daddy, holidays without daddy... and a lot that has really changed since that fateful Thursday night of 26th November 2015 in that tragic car accident.....a day just like this four years ago that completely changed our lives....
It still feels like it was just last night....I still dream we're together as a family...only to wake up to the painful reality...
It has been so hard for us all especially your daughter Neema. I did not realize how much pain she held onto....see the letter she wrote you this week......how much heartache she battles inside...she cries everytime anything reminds her of you... especially when she imagines "if only dad was here".......last night she cried too much...I cried too as I helplessly looked at her.....sometimes the normal humanly hardships we have had to endure are a constant reminder that if you were here things would probably have been different. You always fought for us....you loved your family with unmatched passion....it would be an uphill task for anyone to try and fit in your shoes.... You see, Neema always remembers that you taught her to fight back if someone tried to bully her....but eish mama is different....it's just been hard...
Johnny on the other hand chooses to avoid any talks of daddy.... whenever kids discuss their dads in his presence he often chooses to walk away....and once I witnessed as kids talked of their dads and how they play this or that with their dads, and they went on and on...it broke my heart to pieces as I saw Johnny coil into a corner and pretend he wasn't hearing....I couldn't handle it...I went into a hiding place to let it out, to let the tears flow as I imagined how he has to grow up without a Father like the other boys....oh how painful this is😭...it cuts through my heart...
But God's amazing Grace and love has held us together as a family...our pastors specifically, Pastor William Odero and Rev Leo Kinuthia never stopped checking on us and praying for us...Pastor Julius Wainaina constantly reminded me that God was with us through it all and that it would be well and that we should always solely look up to God....and pastor Moses Haya.....I haven't seen a church that supports widows so passionately in prayer and visitation like ICC....I am still in awe of how much they supported me and the children...I often imagine how it would have been had they not been there to hold our hands through this tough experience in our lives....
My darling Geita, you truly had some very good friends, top on the list is Peter Gichohi (this man is truly a man of God....I would write a whole book about his support for Geita's wife and children....I think he even almost risked his job in trying to support the family of his departed friend Geita).....then the one my daughter Neema willfully said mum, I think the true friend dad had was Kabando.... even amid his busy schedule he has remained a true friend even in death, checking on us often to be sure kids are doing well in school and to know if they have all books needed.....then there are two I met during the tragic events of funeral arrangements, Nixon Mageka Gecheo and Kiringai Kamau your colleagues then...., they have always checked on us and we have assurance that if we needed any help they would come through for us....
Then there's one "truest friend" (if there's anything like that in English).....only you and I know him well......despite his position and his very busy schedule he was deeply moved by your death, he literally looked out for us....he is truly a Godly man....a man of compassion...a true friend.....and just like in the Bible 2nd Samuel 9:7...your children were shown kindness for your sake ....just the way King David told Mephibosheth "for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan....so was your family shown kindness..... through God's favor and Grace..
And I will not forget your childhood sweetheart (I will not mention her name), "she" who you often told me about when you heard the song 'nilikuwa na mchumba wangu, tulipendana kama nyama choma, alibahatika kwenda ngambo".....yes that one....she reached out to us....and told me how you always told her how much you loved me and the children.....she was so heartbroken by your death.....and even in a far away land in the United States of America she often called and sent us some money and assured me she'd always be there should I need a shoulder to cry on....she was a good lady....and had you succeeded in marrying her she'd have made a perfect wife....but hey God chose me for you😜
My darling Geita....today I will remember you fondly....I will cherish our moments together....and even though they're only left as memories, I will forever be grateful to God for the times we shared and for the moments of love, passion and care we had for one another and for the children that God gave to us....
Sleep darling, sleep till we meet again on that beautiful morning at the feet of Jesus....
Surely it is hard to believe that you are no more with us and I cannot stop remembering the pain that cut through my heart when I was called by a stranger who broke the painful news of your demise to me. I was so shocked with the news. I am yet to come to terms that surely, you're no more. I can never forget the good memories we shared together and the stories we used to share when you came back from work before going to bed and I am truly humbled because you took me as your own son and you taught me like a father. I will surely live to remember you at all times. You gave me good mentorship and taught me to be humble and be generous to others and also to be a blessing to others. I will live to remember you my uncle you were so good to many as an uncle and I can't forget. I am still like a first born and also taking care of my siblings Neema and Johnny and also not forgetting our lovely mum Gladys that she has been like a father since u went to be with the lord. Rest in peace uncle .....
Keneth Kipkirui - Nephew
A compassionate networker, a man of resilient spirit. A Friendly, go-getter, and generous personality. Gone, yet still lingering in our thoughts, Lying still, yet unbowed image of endurance. Fare Thee Well my comrade Mwangi wa Geita; salutations endless, R.I.P. Amen
Kabando wa Kabando- former member of parliament Mukurweini
As Jabali Christian School community we are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of our dear class 4 parent. He was committed, adorable and lovable to all. He was always willing to assist in anything. We cherish the moments we shared with the late Samuel Mwangi GEITA fondly called Baba Neema Chebet Mwangi by Jabali schools community.
To Gladys Some - mama Neema as we call you, Neema, Johnny and family members may God comfort you. Kindly accept the condolences of pupils, teachers, Parents teachers’ partnership, Board of management and the Jabali community as a whole. God bless you.
Jabali Christian School Community
Mention of Samuel Mwangi Geita gives me so much nostalgic memories. I knew him more fondly as Baba Neema and he fondly called me Ms. Mercy. He was such a committed parent to Neema before Johnny joined Jabali Christian Schools later. Baba Neema used to drop the daughter to school several times even though he had paid for school transport. Any time he dropped the daughter he would religiously wait for the children to settle in class and come to my office to find out if the school needed anything that he could help in. Baba Neema was among parents who would help to gather teaching /learning materials for school theme. Very clear in my mind was this time we were covering transport as school theme. Baba Neema downloaded for us all the different modes of transport. He printed in hard copy and sent me also on soft. He went ahead and spoke to an organization where we visited for field trip on the same. The week he passed on, the school had planned a parents meeting. He was the first one to arrive. For some reason the younger son Johnny was so active this particular day. Baba Neema kept walking up and down as he took care of the son. We therefore had kept talking to each other because Johnny loved to come where I was seated. Baba Neema was a generous man; I remember him giving the school the first ever Sports trophies. Come to this fateful day the 26th November, when this happened Mama Neema called me and informed me about the accident and death. This was the worst moment for me as a teacher. Baba Neema was my very supportive parent. For a moment I did not know what to do. I needed to break the sad news to Neema my girl. I needed to be strong for the family. I was hurting from inside. I would hold my emotions all day but scream alone. Baba Neema has been one of the best parents have dealt with in my 31 years of school management. Rest in Peace my dear Parent.
Mercy Igoki- Principal Jabali Christian Schools
I have known the late, not for that long, but it seems like for ages. I treated his late mother and from then we struck a close friendship. What stood out for me was his humility, just like that of Pope Francis: he never pressurised me beyond what our medical team felt was the best way forward, despite the gravity of the situation. May our good Lord rest his soul in heavenly bliss, Amen.
Dr Ndonga
Mwangi Geita was a long time stringer for the Swahili Service who worked hard with full commitment and made great contributions in winning huge audience for VOA. He was an outstanding journalist with a keen eye on the news.
He was also very helpful person who hosted and helped many journalists, including Hamza, Steven and myself during a recent trip to Nairobi. He will be greatly missed and our heartfelt condolences goes to his family!! May he rest in eternal peace!!
Negussie Mengesha
Director, Africa Division Voice of America (VOA)
A happy-go-lucky academic who became a world authority on urban planning.Read the full tribute →
Kibe Muigai- a down to earth academic giant who was world authority on urban planning
Those who knew Dr. Kibe Muigai talk of a happy go lucky chap who never had the infamous chip on shoulder the much learned folks are well known for. Instead, they talk of a down to earth, fun loving and the quintessential expert on sustainable urban development.
His colleagues at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) describe Kibe as an amiable at a personal level and a thorough professional who had facts and figures at his fingertips.
UN-Habitat Executive Director Ms. Maimunah Moh’d Sharif Kibe said, “He will be remembered for his passion for his selflessness and ready words of encouragement to those around him. His ability to connect people was admirable. My heartfelt sympathies to Kibe's family and friends.”
Kibe joined UN-Habitat from UNHCR in 1999 as an Urban Management Adviser based in Tanzania where he supported UN country programmes and worked with municipalities in entrenching environmental planning and management (EPM) approaches. He also consolidated the framework, action plan and investment opportunities for a Sustainable Urban Development Programme which was adopted for coordinating development among actors.
Kibe moved to Somalia in 2000 as UN-Habitat's Chief Technical Adviser where he transformed an initial service delivery project into a national broad based urban management and governance programme.
In 2002, Kibe moved to the headquarters as Human Settlements Adviser under the Sustainable Cities Programme (SCP) where he was instrumental in the design and implementation of the participatory environmental planning and management (EPM) processes. He worked on the then popular SCP tools and was particularly active in promoting the EPM process in the Africa region where he successfully lobbied for prioritization of urban environment issues into national frameworks and offered technical assistance for institutional capacity building.
Kibe was instrumental in the Urban Environment Forum (UEF) which was later merged together with the International Forum for Urban Poverty (IFUP) to create the World Urban Forum (WUF). He was responsible for the Sustainable Urban Mobility initiative and was key in formulating and piloting the Cities and Climate Change Initiative which has grown tremendously over the years. Kibe also worked under the Urban Development Branch and more recently at the Urban Land, Legislation and Governance Branch before his separation from UN-Habitat in 2017.
Kibe was a champion of good urban governance. He developed and delivered lectures on sustainable human settlements development from the governance and environment angles. UN-Habitat is grateful for the contribution of Dr. Kibe Muigai to its work from 1999 to 2017.
Her story is tied to the morning of the 1982 attempted coup, a defining day in Kenya's history.Read the full tribute →
On the morning of 1 August 1982 when rebels from the Kenya Air Force attempted to overthrow the government the city of Nairobi was in utter chaos. With shops looted and general mayhem reigning supreme in the city, it was the duty of the disciplined forces to restore law and order.
Only the brave dared to venture into the lawless city and try to bring back some semblance of normalcy. One such officer was Clementine Esther Wanjiku Kamunyi who was serving as a police officer.
Without hesitating to worry about her own safety or that of her family, Clementine was on the streets patrolling, answering to the police motto of ‘Utumishi kwa Wote’ (Service to All). Her colleagues in the Police Service, peers , senior and junior officers attest to her diligence, dignified humanity and deep respect for all, irrespective of rank.
Clementine who passed on 26 July 2019 was born on 16 December 1949 at Huho-ini Location, Tetu Sub-County, Nyeri County. She was the 8th child of the late Isaac Wahome Mucunu and the late Hannah Watheri Wahome. She was sister to late Joseph Ndung’u, Reuben Mureithi, late Beatrice Wairimu Migongo, Eunice Gathoni Rufus, late Wothaya Wahome, and late Alice Mwihaki, Peter Githiri, Eliud Mathu and Shadrack Wang’ombe.
Clementine or ‘Tines’ to her close friends was joined Huho-ini Primary School in Tetu Sub County, Nyeri County and later transferred to St. John’s Primary School, Karunga, Nakuru County, where she sat for her Certificate of Primary Education (CPE). She then joined Form One at Menengai Secondary School, Nakuru County and later transferred to Kapkenda Girls High School, Elgeyo Marakwet County, where she sat for her O Levels in 1968.
Having performed well in her O level examinations, Clementine joined Kiganjo Police College on 11th July 1969 as a direct entry Cadet Inspector. She served in the Police Force in various capacities and units ranging from the Traffic Department where she was instrumental in formulating certain laws within the Traffic Act , Kiganjo Police College as an Instructor within both the Junior Training Wing and the Senior Training Wing , the Kenya Airport Police Unit and Vigilance House among other deployments , until her retirement in 2004 as an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) .
For her diligence, hard work and a heart to serve, she was awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC).
Her love for police work would also lead her to the love of her life the Late Augustine Kamunyi Gacheru in 1969, whom she met while both of them were at the Kiganjo Police College . They got married in 1971 and were blessed with four children: George Njiru, Anthony Wahome, Jacqueline Kamau and John Mark Ndung’u.
Clementine leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Michelle, Margaret, Maya, Jonathan, Hadassah, Shemuel, Ryan, Nathan, Jason and Tamupiwa.
All those who met Clementine would not have left without experiencing her deep faith and commitment to God. She was brought up in a Christian family, was baptized and confirmed. She was a full member of PCEA St. Andrews Church and a member of the Woman’s Guild. She served as Chairperson of the Security Committee of the church and in Single Christian Parents Fellowship. As a Member of the Woman’s Guild, Clementine was dedicated in 2003 and she received her Woman’s Guild badge in 2015.
Clementine started exhibiting health difficulties early this year, and on 14 July 2019 she was admitted for treatment at Aga Khan University Hospital. She was diagnosed with Pneumonia and TB, and due to complications arising, rested on 26 July 2019 with her family present. In God hands you rest, in our hearts you remain forever.
The rugby fraternity remembers his last dive into the endzone as legendary.Read the full tribute →
Allan Makaka: Rugby speedster makes the last dive ever into the endzone
The common consensus in the rugby fraternity is that Allan ‘Sibwor Malala’ Makaka, the celebrated rugby player who transitioned on 22 May 2020 was a speed merchant. Many are of the opinion that Kenya has never seen a player who could show his opponents a clean pair of heels like Allan.
In the words of Edward Rombo, also a celebrated player in his heyday and later Allan’s coach at the National Sevens team: “Makaka and Sidney Ashioya were the fastest players in the team at the time. In fact Makaka was renowned in the World Sevens Series from 2003 to 2005 as one of the top three fastest players the series. Rombo, stated that Kenya’s opponents, among them Fijian players, feared Makaka for his speed.
Now that counts for something. Fijians are the royalty of rugby and if one can instill the fear of the Lord in them, it means Sibwor Malala was something else. However, for Allan, reaching to the top was not a fluke but a reward that came from the sweat of his brow.
If you want to trace where the seed was sown then you need to take a drive to Western Kenya, Kakamega County to be specific. After Sigalala National Polytechnic you will find the famous Musingu High School.
This is where Allan honed his rugby skills which led him to earn a junior national team call-up in form four to feature in Under-18 and Under-21 tournaments. His rugby club life started at Ulinzi where his pace made him stand out earning a selection to the National Sevens squad Shujaa. At the close of the 2004 season, he moved to Kenya Harlequin as flier upon Ulinzi’s disbandment. He rose in his rugby career and was part of the squad that played at the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. He made a total of 57 appearances on the Sevens World Series, managing 28 tries and is ranked 21st overall amongst Kenya’s all time try scorers on the World Series.
Just as on the rugby pitch, Allan was also a top performer in the corporate world. The International Business Administration (IBA) graduate from the United States International University Africa (USIU- A) Allan was the Brand Executive at Ruck and Maul from August 2004 to March 2006. He then moved to Chloride Exide Limited where he was the Business Executive from November 2007 to November 2009. From 2010 to February 2012, he was the Agency Sales Manager at Mediamax Network Limited. In February 2012, Allan joined the Royal Media Services as a Business Executive. He later rose through the ranks to become the Business Manager in charge of Hot 96 FM, a position he occupied until his demise.
He was born on 28th June 1982 in Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi, to Mr. MacDonald Makaka and the Late Mrs. Margaret Anyonyi Makaka. He belonged to the Abamahalia clan of Imahalia village. He was the loving husband to Lilian Muthama Shisiali and the doting father of Liam Lijodi, the late Adrian and Lyona Ndunge. He was the first born brother to Erica Makaka, Lydia Viliango, Michael Kwame, Lillian Luseka and Jean Lyona. He was the son in law to Mr Fredrick M. Nzioka and Julia N. Nzioka. Brother in law to Mary Muthama Nasiali,Noah Nasiali,Angela Muthama Grandys,Lucasz Grandys, Stella Muthama Abanga and Paul Abanga. Uncle to Ethan Nasiali, Eidan Nasiali, Nailah Nasiali, Krystina Grandys, Quba Abanga and kalyan Abanga.
Allan was baptised on 26th October, 1996 at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi. He received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the same church.
He attended Race Course Nursery School. He went to primary school at Race Course, St Peters Mumias Primary School and Aga Khan Primary and after that Musingu High.
Allan wedded the love of his life Lillian Mwethya Muthama on 11th September 2013. Go well, Sibwor Malala.
He led Undugu Society of Kenya through the years when street children had become one of Nairobi’s most pressing crises.Read the full tribute →
Children, Youth Sector Loses one of the Foremost Crusaders
On Tuesday last week, Kenya and the children and youth sector in particular lost one of its upmost illustrious voices in the name of Mr. Aloys Opiyo Otieno, who until his death was the Executive Director of Undugu Society of Kenya. Aloys, as he was fondly referred to, passed on April 6, 2021 morning while on his way to hospital to seek medical attention.
Aloys joined Undugu Society of Kenya in 1994 as the Executive Director, the second Kenyan to serve in the position after his predecessor, Ezra Mbogori, who had taken over from Fabio Dallape, the first non-founder Executive Director.
It was during this time that the street children menace then at its peak in Nairobi and major urban towns was beginning to receive the attention of authorities, ostensibly, due to the public embarrassment they were causing foreign dignitaries, tourists and shoppers when they ventured into the main streets in town. Criminal activities associated with the street children was also becoming a cause to worry.
The late Fr. Arnold Grol, the Dutch Missionary Priest, who from about a decade earlier, had become synonymous with street children in Nairobi, and the poor in the slums of Nairobi was already thinking of retiring from active day to day running of the organization which was already attracting the good will of international partners, and was keen to leave the organization in secure local leadership.
Those of us who knew Fr. Grol would also recall of his constant concern at the time of the future of Undugu Society of Kenya. Speaking during his funeral service of Fr. Grol in 1997, Aloys recalled as much. “In 1997 Fr. Grol came and told me that he could now retire physically and spiritually from Undugu with the conviction that Undugu would not die in my hands”, he said.
Perhaps it was the unique mix at Undugu Society of Kenya that made it attractive to many people, both local and abroad – a culture that was brewed by Fr. Grol but served and maintained by Aloys. The workforce at Undugu Society of Kenya truly reflected the face of Kenya. Then there was the network of friends both in The Netherlands and Germany, which provided regular flow of undesignated financial support as well as technical capacity including inflow of volunteers.
But there was also a great mix of ideas, acolabo of minds, which were conspicuously reflected in the multiplicity of programmes and projects uniquely threaded to deliver a mission – the empowerment of children, youth and communities. There were the likes of parking boys and street girls programme, community health, basic education, informal skills training, micro-finance, appropriate technology, low cost housing, dry land farming, metal, wood and mechanic workshops, export, a music band, sports club etc. – it was a whole social engineering industry that Aloys was called upon to superintend for 17 years.
Managing transitions did not come easy and were always very testing times for Undugu Society of Kenya and the leadership. First was the change in its initial intervention philosophy of curative care to a more sustainable preventive care and policy orientation approach to dealing with the issue of the disadvantaged children and youth. Then came the transition from what was clearly a chaotic but rather appropriate Delta House at the ever crowded junction of Landhies/Jogoo Road that served as the head office of the organization for close to two decades to a modern Arnold Plaza complex on Woodvale Grove in Westlands.
While the organization is not quite what it was during the peak period in the 1990s and 2000s, with the majority of the workforce at the time having moved on, the organization remains very much alive. But perhaps the most important element of this life are the thousands of people, young and old, that the organizations touched their lives forever – the young people who were sponsored to pursue higher education or to acquire employable skills as well as families that had a reliable source of income because their businesses received a boost of credit and business capacity.
Even as people were coming together to deliberate on how to give Aloys a befitting send-off, the voices of the people whose lives were impacted by Undugu Society of Kenya during the time of Aloys came through in not less powerful way. They made it known that they too were part of Aloys sprawling network and community.
Aloys’ contribution very much went beyond Undugu Society of Kenya. Under the watch of Aloys, Undugu Society of Kenya working in cohort with likeminded organizations ensured that the voice of disadvantaged children and youth came through when and where it greatly mattered. Among the key contributions in this regard include the enactment of the Children’s Act which was seen as a significant step towards mainstreaming and domesticating the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child. Then there was the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children in which a document on a World Fit for Children was adopted.
Aloy’s journey was illustrious - it that began from the classrooms of primary school between 1970 -1982, before enrolling for further studies to obtain M.A. Degree in Rural Social Development from University of Reading, UK. The knowledge and experience acquired during this journey certainly became a reliable add-on capacity that made Aloys.
Besides serving at the helm of Undugu Society of Kenya in two separate periods, Aloys also served as the Chief Executive Officer of African Network for the Prevention and Protection of Children Against Neglect and Abuse (ANPPCAN – Kenya Chapter), a member of the Board of Export Promotion Council, Chairman of the Council of Uzima University School of Medicine and Board of Director, County Education Board, Siaya. Previously, Aloys served as the National Coordinator of Development Education Programme under the Catholic Secretariat/National Secretary Justice and Peace Commission.
Having retired from the service at Undugu Society of Kenya in 2010, with over 17 years of service at the helm of the organization in his name, Aloys left such indelible mark in the life and psyche of the organization as well as the children and youth sector in Kenya, particularly those that are more vulnerable. No wonder, when the Board of Undugu Society of Kenya was, in 2019, was looking for a safe pair of hands to vector the Undugu ship to a desirable direction, Aloys became a sure bet. It is unfortunate that the cruel hand of death has cut short the life of Aloys slightly over one years since his return to the organization, dealing a major disruption to the renewal efforts at the children and youth organization. May the passing on of Alloys and the outpouring of sympathy from all those whom he touched their lives, bring renewed attention to the plight of the less advantaged children and youth, deprived of access to food, shelter, health and education and a realistic chance to better life in future.
Aloys body will be laid to rest on Saturday the 17th April 2021 at his home in Uyoma, Siaya County.
A flame that gave warmth to everyone she came in touch with.Read the full tribute →
Jacklyne Achieng Sijenyi: Ny’okach was a flame that gave warmth to all she came it touch with
There are those people you meet once, and you will never forget how they impacted you. Jackline Achieng’ Sijenyi was one such person. From family, friends and colleagues, everybody remembers fondly the way Jacklyne touched their lives.
Named after her grandmother Gaudencia Achieng’, Jacklyne had a grandmotherly kind of love that saw her acquire pet names such as Ny’okach, Nyar Gi Siguda, Nyar Gi Onyancgo Ochan, among others.
Jacklyne who passed away in Oslo, Norway on 29 May 2020 has left a rich legacy of people helped, children loved and colleagues assisted in the various ways they connected with her.
She carried her passion to every endeavor she engaged in. This was manifest in her schooling and later in the professional field.
Jackie as she was commonly known was born on 19th September 1976 In Nairobi County to the late Joseph Sijenyi and Margaret Adiado Sijenyi. She is the last born in a family of 7 among namely: Jennipher Atieno Ojungu, Judith Akinyi Achar, Sylvia Awino Omaalo, Gerald Odhiambo Sijenyi, Maurice Otieno Sijenyi and Thomas Onyango Sijenyi.
Jacklyne Joined Eastleigh Airport Primary School for her primary school education before going to Rae girls for her Secondary education in 1992. Afterwards, her quest for education would take her to the University of Nairobi where she obtained a Diploma in Business Management.
Her first steps in professional life were made at the Kenya Bureau of Standards which she joined in 1998 and held different roles until the year 2011, when she went to Stavanger, Norway to pursue higher education. She passionately believed that this advanced education would help her make a radical career change and create better educational opportunities for her children Stephanie and Geoffrey who are currently university students.
Being in a foreign land did not dim Ny’okach’s fierce determination. She plunged into her studies with gusto and between 2011-2012 she was in 23% position. Her ambition saw her improve this to 75% in the 2012-2017 period and hitting the 100 % mark in 2017, the year she was approved as a health worker.
She made all these great strides at the Bergåstjern Nursing home. She also worked extra at Blidensol and Boganes Nursing Homes.
At the time of her demise she was an accredited Health worker and had just acquired Norwegian Citizenship.
On 29th May 2020, Jackline unexpectedly passed on after a short Illness while receiving medical attention. Her optimism and positivity while admitted will forever be etched on the minds of those who knew and loved her.
Meeting and befriending Jackie changed my life and way of thinking. She was a friend I never wish to lose even for a second; she brightened my smile whenever we got together either physically or through Video and audio calls due to distance. I love this girl too much
Each and every day I thank God almighty that I met such a friend who had a listening ear, was easy to talk to and even helped me get me out of depression. Jackie was smart and had solutions , more importantly kept all your discussions confidential. Jackie never entertained evil and was quick to correct and guide me , due to her encouragement and foresight today I am a health worker student.
‘Achienge’ you were a blessing in my life as a friend and I will forever carry you in my heart Nyar Gi Migele )
Don’t think of her as gone, her journey has just begun, life holds many facets just think of her as resting and a living spirit in the hearts of those she touched , for nothing loved is ever lost , and she loved much.
My dear sister, friend
I celebrate you today and not mourn you; you will never be forgotten nor replaced. As you rest in your new home, we know that God only takes the best and everything happens for a reason even though the same may not be clear to us now. Just look out for us.
I will not question God’s plan nor will I wipe my tears yet since I strongly believe we will meet again and continue with our laughter.
My twin mate I will miss your laughter, daily late night calls and rhumba nights when we danced and made merry.
I love you now more than before ; Go well osiepna ; Rest with the angels till we meet again.
We remember Jackie for her kind heart, beautiful cheeky smile, laughter, warmth, compassion and always ready to assist when called upon. Jackie had the most seamless dancing moves irrespective of the music genre being played.
Jackie , you can no longer smile but the memory of the magic smile lingers on. You can no longer breathe , but the life you breathed will always be appreciated, You can no longer dance , but the memory of dances and music will forever warm our hearts
Jackie , you were a blessing and will be greatly missed by all who came into contact with you, since you could light up the room with your Magic Smile
‘Seme olalo nyako ma msungu. Nind gi kwe Nyar Seme till we meet again
We the LOLWE Sisters love you into eternity.
Osiep Chunya. It has taken me time and pain to write this eulogy, however , due to the smile you left me with , I promise to draw strength from it.
We have our story and that I will address to you personally someday. As for now , I would just share with Our/your friends of the Jackie I knew. Our code name was mbasna and this had nothing to do with age but that , we were equal and connected in many ways . I remember fondly when we would both shed tears of joy and pain together for that was who you were.
You not only had a big heart but also a big smile which continues to radiate through all those who meet you in life. That smile how to give the past to the present and the present to eternity
Your words of encouragement and strength even when the tides were rough cannot go without say : Psalms : 117-129:
Remembering Jackie Achieng Nyokach Sijenyi---- We were age mates….born in the same year, but Achieng was way-way ahead.
She was the ‘Chogo Min ohero ….’ Visiting their home in Eastleigh in the early 80’s , when aunty Margaret made tea, Achieng would always be the one to get the bakshish mealin the packet ( that aunty saved for her ) .. so there I was asking ‘Kwani you are given everyday “ ? .. and she answered a if there was nothing wrong with that.. ‘Yes’ its like the other siblings knew that she had a special place in the family and she had to be given special treatment.
The elder sisters being much older , Jackie was the only girl just like me. Since we could not play some games with Jenipher , Judy, or Sylvia…..or even Gera.. we played rough with the boys and became two little tomboys
Achieng endured a lot in life.
The year we were doing KCPE, she spent quite sometime off school as she had frequent headaches , and it was later discovered that she would need to undergo an operation . I remember aunty Margaret’s worried look when I asked her about the operation. But Jackie emerged proud of her scar , as she showed me where the doctors had cut up her head as if it was just a minor thing.
Ny’okach grew too soon. She was the chief babysitter to her elder sister’s kids, starting with Sylvia’s ( Mami, and Molly) and later Judy’s … thank God I was in boarding school , I was the assistant baby sitter during the holidays ( - Mami, Machel, Molly, Felix, Martin, Kaki – they owe us)
On one occasion were were at a funeral in Kajulu . Our relatives from Seme arrived with some stuff, including two fully grown cocks… and we were tasked with cooking at the event. While I was still pondering what to do, I decided to look for someone to come deal with the cocks , since just looking at them scared me. And she was like , ‘ don’t worry about it, get the person to assist elsewhere ( fetching water etc ) anyway, I stepped out for about five minutes , but on my return , the cocks were already cooking in the pot!, Jackie was chap chap like that
I remember her house in Rounda Estate .. just after staring her independent life , she became a mum while I visited as a timid cousin so afraid to hold the little baby girl who looked so fragile. She laughed at me as she expertly handled the baby. Who would imagine I was afraid to hold the future Miss Africa Rogaland ?
… and the house in Kayole , I was a frequent visitor, seeing a struggling mum raise her kids- juggling between being submissive and the modern exigencies of being an office worker. She struggled and worked hard , between job, evening class and distributing GNLD Products via Network marketing – she did everything to improve the future of her kids. She later moved to Umoja – of course she had her dreams straight in the horizon, later moving to Eldoret and eventually relocating to Norway.
If you see a child score an ‘A’ – the amount of work behind the scenes by parents is usually enormous . I am happy that she experienced the joy of her baby girl being among the top performers in the country and being admitted to Kenya High! The good performance by Steph was a high for all of us.
It is unfortunate the grim reaper has robbed us the opportunity to share Jackies’s life . Rest in peace until we meet again.
‘ You can shed tears that she’s gone or you can smile because she had lived ‘
When I first heard of your passing away, I was stunned, lost for words , engulfed by sorrow. I wondered why you had to go away so soon. I thought about the cruelty of death, that inevitably it always has to steal away the most precious of people in our lives . But then I remember that you lived with us , that we shared happy moments growing up. And though we might have gone separate ways as adults , and spent less time with each other, the fact that you lived with us makes my soul be at peace.
‘ I will never stand at your grave and weep,
You are not there, you do not sleep.
You are a thousand winds that blow.
You are the shiny glint on raindrops’
My gratitude to aunty Jacky, from you I learnt to easily forgive , not to judge other’s misgivings and to love unconditionally for we are only Human
I will miss my dear Sister, mourning her is the most difficult thing I have to do…Thanks for the messages and calls . Omako dhoga . Prayers to my Family , especially Mum and grandmother ( Ny’okach) after whom she was named, can’t imagine how they are taking it.
Jackie , we miss you growing up you could come up with a chicken meal at a short notice, I took care of you as a young sister and regret that there is nothing I can do now except make memories of your generosity, smile and easy going nature.
We will Miss you big. Rest well ‘Nyar Katieno’
I see Jackie more of a daughter and therefore see her demise as a loss , not only as a sister , but as a daughter
My sons and I are at a loss ,. It is indeed an irreplaceable gap that she has left in the family.
Jackie, I still can’t imagine you are no more. No amount of tears can justify my sadness. You were unique in your own way. A loving , caring, ‘down to earth ‘ and very generous . RIP Ny’okach till we meet again in another life. ‘Nyathiwa kendo osiepa nind gi kwe’
God fearing, gracious hostess, a loving Mother, art supporting rhumba loving , public speaker, baby sitter to all her nephews and nieces her, loved rhumba, good dancer, the most positive person I know , generous to a fault.
A very selfless woman, she cared too much about others and would do anything to make people around her feel better:
She is Gone:
You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can cherish her memory and let it live on
You can Cry and close your mind , be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she’d want : Smile, Open your heart, forgive , Love and go on.
Still in shock, a beautiful , kind, and loving soul…so gentle, so caring.. Never complained, never fought back, always available to help, so generous…
Our dearest darling, Nyaber.. words fail me.. words truly fail me… you will forever be in our hearts Jacklyne Achieng , go well our lovely angel.. pass our regards to ‘Fadhe ‘ whom you dearly loved.
Ny’okach, What can a mother say ? What a loss! The pain is too much to bear, my angel, my precious jewel, God has seen it fit to take you just when we had started relating as sisters , as we talked during your sickness at no point did it occurred to me that you were saying bye. Thank you for the time spent with us here on earth. Who will take me to Europe again? Who will dress me ? who Jackie Who ?
Anyway we thank God for the privilege of bringing you up, and seeing you emerge into a beautiful responsible and loving daughter, rest assured Geoff and Steph will be looked after
‘Nind gi kwe nyar Gi Siguda; Nyar Gi Onyango Ochan.
She was a joy, an inspiration. A blessing , and our motivation
With a heart of gold and a smile so infectious .
She gave us tender care, because we were to her ‘.. oh so precious’
She was our best friend, confidant, guide and counsellor, but most of all our dearly beloved Mother
And just as she lived life filled with strength, she was noble , dignified and wise
So will we live on with her in our memory and heart and as our guardian angel, never to be forgotten.
As a mother, a best friend, a mentor and a role model, you are irreplacable. You always taught me to be kind no matter what because that is what you were. Kind. A selfless soul with great empathy. You are not here anymore in body but your spirit always be with me and the memories we shared will walk with me forever. I will celebrate you always as your vibrant energy was immeasurable. I love you Mum.
“Here Lies a Man who Lived” — the epitaph two friends promised to write for whichever of them went first.Read the full tribute →
Here Lies a Man who Lived
‘Here Lies a Man who Lived’. For as far back as I can remember, this has been our usual joke with Edwin Anyanga Noballa also going by the names of Edu, Nobs, Etweeny (blame this on his Luhya heritage) and Moreno Lopez.
Sitting, mostly late into the night, we would weigh in on the the journey we have traveled and we both agreed that if one of us goes before the other, then the remaining one would write an epitaph with those words. In remembrance or more aptly in celebration of the triumphs and failures we’d seen.
Words have a way of bobbing up to the surface, however long buried they are. So last Thursday as I stood at a room near the chapel at the Mater Hospital viewing Edu’s body, these words came back to me. Powerfully so.
‘Here Lies a Man who Lived’. For the more than 20 years we have been uttering these words, they seemed far away. An abstract of sorts. But this Thursday they were no longer empty words, said like a diviner consulting an Ouija board, but ringing true and real. Connecting the bubbly Moreno Lopez with the man lying on this hospital slab was proving a bit difficult. If anything, I half expected Etweeny to raise his head and ask his signature question, “Oba (for Obasanjo, the name I acquired years ago), what’s the plan?”
‘Here Lies a Man who Lived.’ Our friendship with Edu started right from our days at Moi University but cemented after graduation. I was two years ahead getting my Bachelor of Education degee and being carted to far away North Eastern Province to cultivate young minds. On graduation Edu got posted to Kericho Teachers College as a Tutor.
With time we would both quit teaching- I headed to the newsroom while Edu went to the corporate world in a path that would see him work as a banker, a programme officer, part time lecturer and logistician.
Our weekend meetings would be colourful, both of us being storytellers. Then the arguments that never ended. In his final year in school at Aquinas High Etweeny was voted one of the best football players in Nairobi province, until a serious leg injury put him out of the game forever. So when debating football Edu always had the knowledge of a former player.
At the university Edu took Mathematics and Economics, subjects he later taught. Many are the times he tried to get me interested in Maths but I would roundly dismiss him saying it was a tad too late in life to learn Maths.
However, our fiercest and querulous arguments would be on religion and philosophy. Being a certified insomniac, whenever Edu visited I too had to shelve sleep because I always knew we would have a long night ahead chatting and quarrelling. We disagreed on Socrates and Plato. We spent time comparing and contrasting the liturgical ways of the evangelicals and as he called it, the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
Being a former seminarian who had set out to join priesthood, Moreno Lopez was deeply passionate about these matters. Of course he would always win the arguments and in surrender I would tease him, “You know Edu, were it not for your huge appetite for the things of the world, you would have made a great priest and possibly a Cardinal.”
To which he would retort, “The problem the church is facing is pagans like you who have no understanding of the scriptures. You can serve God in whichever calling. You can serve God as a teacher, a banker, a soldier etc. You can also serve God as a good husband or wife.”
Talking of wives and one day Edu surprised me. it happened that he had had some disagreement with the wife Nduku Muema. I can’t really recall what it was all about but they both called me at different points (I am friends to both). In my role as a mediator I actively listened and in my best Solomonic voice I declared Etweeny to be the offender. Upon which the good man went down on his knee and apologized to the wife. Right inside the packed restaurant as the rest of the diners watched in amazement. Of course some of the ladies in there applauded but I could see the men seeing a traitor of the male gender in Edu’s action.
‘Here Lies a Man who Lived’. A party was never a party until Etweeny showed up. It didn’t matter if he was known to the master of the banquet or he was tagged along by a friend of the party owners, Edu would soon have the attendees enthralled with his stories.
Although a diehard AFC Leopards fan, Etweeny loved attending Gor Mahia matches if for no any other reason but for the carnival atmosphere. Of course he would never support Gor and anytime Gor scored he would whisper to me, “What a lousy goal!” A real fifth columnist if there ever was one!
‘Here Lies a Man who Lived’. That Moreno Lopez had way above average IQ was never in doubt. Although he spent his time in Maths and Economics classes, this never prevented him from helping his friends with their political science and history lessons.
This brilliance would play out one day when Edu went for a job interview. After hours of being asked questions, Edu felt that the panel was not well versed in the field. As is often at interviews when he was asked to ask anything about the firm, Edu went ahead to lecture the panel on the subject matter as well as how they could carry the company forward. Of course he never got the job!
Then we had our hilarious moments. I remember this Friday when Etweeny calls saying we need to meet as he had something urgent to discuss. I hurry to the place and we find early risers busy on their breakfasts.
Before we fully settle, Edu sees some fetching beauty seated alone at a corner, and he announces, let me go say hi to her. I bury myself in the newspaper and Edu coms back on a quick trot. “She is a man,” he almost yells and I start laughing at him. We later invite him/her to our table. Says name is Eric which has since changed to Erica. He/She has a long tale how the boyfriend cheated the previous night. The expressions are way exaggerated and I am deeply convinced we are in the last days.
This happened towards the end of the year and in my New Year text message I tell Edu: May you meet many more Ericas in the New Year.” Two weeks later he calls, he ran into Erica in town with his (Edu) new . Erica was all over with hugs and pecks and the new colleagues gave Edu a worried look.
‘Here Lies a Man who Lived’. If there is one thing Etweeny developed into an art then it was making disappearances. You would be, say in South B then Edu ambles away like he’s receiving a phone call. An hour later he would call saying he has rushed to Kitengela. It used to be annoying at first but we finally accepted that it was part of him. We called it, ‘Doing a Lopez’.
So it came to pass that last Wednesday night as I checked with Nduku how Edu was holding up she was very upbeat. All the signs were okay and the doctor had assured her that by weekend Edu would move from ICU to the general ward. There were even plans of a /mbuzi’ in the pipeline once he left hospital. His kid brother Taabu Noballa is even ready to read Etweeny the riot act over his poor eating habits which heeds to improve.
Little did we know that Edu was on course to ‘Doing a Lopez’. A major and final one. Come Thursday morning and I get the news from his brother in law Masangya Muema that Edwin Anyanga Noballa stepped outside. Never to return. The sneaky fellow!
Fare thee well Moreno Lopez…….
Few visitors left her home without a word of scripture, advice on education, or at least a smile.Read the full tribute →
Mama Beatrice Cherotich Chepkurui Kapsoot- a teacher, a leader and a spiritual guide
For many who visited her, there was a likely chance that they would leave the home of Mama Beatrice Cherotich Chepkurui Kapsoot with something of value- an encouragement from the scriptures, a word of advice on education or just a smile after she created time for you.
As an educationist she touched and changed many lives and as church leader she was a guiding light to not only members of her church but the body of Christ in its entirety.
Mama Beatrice who was born on June 1949 in Chemses Village, Chemoge Sub -location, Chemoge location, Mt. Elgon to the late Mzee Naibei Chepkorom and Mama Julia Maua was a trail blazer in that at an age when girls were never known to pursue education seriously, she scaled the heights and managed to make monumental achievements in not only education but politics as well.
Mama Beatrice began her education at Chemoge Primary School in 1958 from standard one to standard four after which she was transferred to Kapsokwony Primary School from class four to class eight. She excelled and proceeded to Lugulu Girls High School 1967 for her secondary education form one to form six and awarded the East African Certificate of Education (EACE) after which she joined Kenyatta University College at the Teacher Education Department (TED) where she qualified as an S1 teacher. With this qualification she was promoted to an Approved Teacher Status (ATS) in 1985.During her working life she also attended several training courses in Management, administration at Kenya Education Staff Institute (KESI).
Between 1974 and 1978, Mama Beatrice worked as a teacher at Kibuk Girls Secondary School where she taught English and Physical Education (PE). In 1978 she was promoted to become Head Mistress where she served until 1994.
In 1994 she was appointed the Education Officer in charge of Secondary School administration in the then Mt. Elgon District based at the District Headquarters in Kapsokwony where she served until 2004. It is in 2004 that she was recognized for her outstanding and distinguished services she had rendered to the nation and was awarded a Head of State's Commendation (H.S.C.) Civilian Division by H.E President Mwai Kibaki.
In August 1991 Mama Beatrice was elected Vice Chairperson of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Western Chapter. Between 1986 and 1994, she served as the Chair Lady of the KANU Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, Mt. Elgon Sub-District and Treasurer for Bungoma District. She was also the chairperson of the Kenya Red Cross Mt. Elgon District and Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Mt. District Hospital.
She was married to Prof. Peter Kapsoot in 1971 at the Friends Church Kaptama and they were blessed with six children; Daniel Mosobo, Christine Chemtai, Maurice Chepkurui, Esther Chebet, Sammy Psamiy and the late Faith Cherop. Mama Beatrice was blessed with 9 grandchildren.
She was mother in law to Margaret Ngigi, Linda Chepkurui, Esther Yego, Duncan Korir and Winnie Baraza.
Her siblings were John Lemuso, Eunice Chemulwo Kaptoo, Judith Simotwo, Fangaline Psenjen, the late Leah, Boiyo Naibei, the late Kelly Chepkain, Hellen Tengan and Jane Kapoloman. She was Daughter in-law to the late Assistant Chief Maurice Chepkurui and the late mama Dinah Chepkurui.
Mama Beatrice lived a healthy life until the year 2000 when she fell ill. Her health gradually deteriorated until the 3rd of September when she succumbed to a cardiac arrest
Mama Beatrice was a remarkable hard-working woman who was passionate and never waned in her support or love of her family. She always soldiered on even when times were tough. She was a mentor to many. During her life she was a pillar of strength and a role model to her children and grand children. She was also philanthropic person who educated, fed and accommodated children from different backgrounds in the community. Mama Beatrice was also strict disciplinarian.
We may no longer see her physically but we know she is watching over us. We thank you for everything you've given us – and the warmth we shared during your precious time on earth. God bless you. Always.
Those we love never die, they dwell in our hearts .In our hearts you remain forever. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations, Psalms 100:5
To God, for the Long life He gave Mama Beatrice.
To the Friends Church for prayers and general support.
To the family, friends, relatives, neighbours and all well-wishers for prayers, financial and material support.
They called us before writing a single word, and the tribute read like they'd known him for years.
Relatives abroad could finally read something proper about their aunt, not just a WhatsApp forward.
Simple process, and they were patient with us while we gathered photos from four different cousins.
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