CELEBRATION OF A LIFE WELL LIVED

John Wang’ombe Kariuki 1ST JAN 1938 - 6TH MAR 2022

Eulogy of the late JOHN WANG’OMBE KARIUKI (Ithe Wa Timo)

FUNERAL PROGRAM OF The Late John Wang’ombe Kariuki

16TH MARCH 2022 PROGRAM OF THE DAY

The late JOHN WANG’OMBE KARIUKI was born in Kagumo

where he rose through the ranks. He was later employed by

(a village named after a white settler Cordon), SUBUKIA on 1st

the Nairobi City Council, where he worked until his retirement

January 1938. His parents were the late Zakayo Kariuki and

in 1993. He settled back to his farm in Arash - Subukia

the late Elizabeth Wangui. He is a third born and a brother

where he continued with farming as well as other business

to the Late Simon Ndiritu (Murungaru, Kinangop) and the

engagements.

1.

6.30am Departure from Home Subukia

2.

7.40am Arrival at Umash

Gichohi, the late Daudi (Moi’s Bridge), Hannah Murugi Kihara

He was among the founding members of SUKA, a milk

3.

8.10 am Departure from Umash

(Bahati) and the Late Milkah Njoki.

processing plant, in Subukia - Kabazi, which was formed

4.

9.20 am Arrival at Mumoi Primary school

5.

10.15 am Church Service





Opening Prayers





Entry Sentences





Opening Hymn – Thi-ino ti yakwa



 Litany





Psalm 90





1St Reading





2nd Reading



 Eulogy





Speeches (Family, Friends, Neighbour, Administration, Church)





TRIBUTES (Mum, Children, Grandchildren)





Introductions acknowledgements





2nd Hymn



 Sermon



 Offertory





Prayer for the family





Vote of Thanks

6.

Interment at home

late Wambui Kariuki. He was stepbrother to the late Daniel

by a group of retirees. Through his generosity, he donated EDUCATION

a piece of land which to date is used as a water distribution

The late JOHN WANG’OMBE KARIUKI was first enrolled at

point for Arash community.

Ndaragwa Primary School, Nyandarua County, in 1948. In 1951, he sat for his Common Entrance (CE) exams and later

FAMILY

advanced his education up to Class 8. His education was

The late John met the love of his life EUNICE WANJIKU

disrupted by the ‘Emergency War’ and they were forced to go

MUTUNGI in 1967 and were later enjoined in marriage at

back to their parents’ ancestral home - Munyange, Othaya.

Africa Inland Church (AIC) Njabini by Reverend Harisson

Later in 1959, they settled in Nyahururu.

Kaguongo Kariuki.

WORK

They were blessed with 7 children: Timothy Kariuki, Elizabeth

He was first employed as a plumber by PASCO, a water

Wangui, Mary Njeri, Maina Wang’ombe, Abigael Njoki, Amos

company, at Sasumwa Dam, in Njabini Nyandarua County,

Maina and Peninah Wairimu.

Presiding minister: Rev. Daniel Wataku (Vicar –ACK Subukia) Assisted by other clergy

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He is grandfather to Faith Wanjiku Kariuki, Eunice Kariuki,

• Leading role in the Anglican Men group (KAMA)

Eunice Wangui, Josiah Wangui, Sospeter Kinyanjui, Shawn

• Advisory role in church leadership

Kinyanjui, Corbin Grady, Meriel Grady, Eunice Maina, Amos Maina, Shellin Njaria, Shawn Njaria, John Maina, Timcy Maina

ILLNESS

and Denis Maina.Father in-law to Dr. Mercy Kamau, Nathan

The late John Wang’ombe was in and out of hospital with

Mutisya, Jeremy Grady, Benson Njaria, Eunice Kariuki and

high blood pressure and diabetes. On the 5th of Dec 2021,

Esther Maina

his family moved him to Nairobi for specialized treatment. On the night of 6th March 2022, his condition worsened

CHURCH

and was rushed to Nairobi Hospital. He breathed his last at

The late John was baptized at a young age at P.C.E.A Church

2.30am on the 7th March 2022.

where his parents were members. He later joined St Francis Anglican Church (ACK), Njabini and was confirmed by the

He passed on at the age of 84. He is survived by his dear

late Rt Rev. Landan Kamau Mbiu.

wife, 7 children (3 boys and 4 girls) and many grandchildren. We celebrate his life.

In 1973, he was ordained as a LAY LEADER as he continued serving the Lord at ACK Magumu, Kinangop. He later moved

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

to St John Ihinga ACK Church, Gatundu, Kiambu County where he served in the same capacity until his retirement in

VERSES

1993.

• Isaiah 57:2 “…Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest

Back home in Subukia, he continued to fellowship at ACK

as they lie in death.”

Good Shepherd Church until 2005 when, he together with a few other members, founded a new church - ACK Emmanuel

• Romans 14:8

Church in Arash Farm, Subukia. Together with his family, he

“…If we live, we live to the Lord. So, whether we live or die,

became a pillar in this church where he tirelessly engaged in

we belong to the Lord.”

many activities, among them: • Church construction and furnishing • Hospital construction • Church Laptop, Projector and screen

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Rugano Rwa Mutigairi John Wang’ombe Kariuki-(Ithe Wa Timo) Mutigairi John Wang’ombe Kariuki aciarirwo mwaka-ini wa

Arari wa gikundi kia aria mahurukite mawira matiganite ma

1938 itura-ini ria muthungu wetagwo Cordon (Kagumo) –

kwandikwo; na umwe wa aria manjirie kiganda kia iria kia SUKA

Subukia ni aciari ake mutigairi Zakayo Kariuki na Mwendwo-ni-

(Subukia – Kabazi).

iri Elizabeth Wangui, we e mwana wa gatatu. Maciaranirwo na

Arari mutana ona ni araheanite kiea kiria giakitwo ihiga ria maai,

mutigairi Simon Ndiritu (murungaru, Kinangop) na Mwendwo-

Arash.

ni-iri Wambui Kariuki. Mareraniirio hamwe na ciana cia ithe

E wira-ini magicoka magithamira Subukia – Arash. Ni athire na

mukuru na nicio mutigairi Daniel Gichohi, mutigairi Daudi {Moi’s

mbere na wira wa kurima na Biashara itiganite nginya kuhuruka

Bridge}, Hanah Murugi Kihara {Bahati} na mutigairi Milka Njoki.

gwake.

GITHOMO

KUHIKANIA

Mutigairi John Wang’ombe Kariuki athomeire cukuru wetagwo

Mutigairi nimendanire na mwendwa wake Eunice Wanjiku

Ndaragwa Primary School – Nyandarua County; kwanjiriria

Mutungi mwaka-ini wa 1967. Nimahikithanirio kanitha-ini wa

mwaka wa 1948 na agika kigeranio gia common entrance

A.I.C. Njabini ni mutungatiri wetagwo Harrison Kagwongo

(C.E.) mwaka wa 1951. Ni athire na mbere na githomo nginya

Kariuki. Nimatanahiirwo na ciana mugwanja nio Timothy Kariuki,

kirathi gia kanana. Thutha ucio nimathamirio ni mbara na

Elizabeth Wangui, Mary Njeri, Maina Wang’ombe, Abigail Njoki,

magicokio kuria moimite, itura ria Munyange, Othaya, Nyeri.

Amos Maina na Peninah Wairimu. Ni gukawe wa Faith Wanjiku

Mwaka-ini wa 1959 niokire Nyahururu.

Kariuki, Eunice Kariuki, Eunice wangui, Josiah Wangui, Sospeter Kinyanjui, Shawn Kinyanjui, Corbin Grady, Meriel Grady, Eunice

WIRA

Maina, Amos Maina, Shellin Njaria, Shawn Njaria, John Maina,

Mutigairi niandikirwo wira wa kunyitithania miberethi ni

Timcy Maina na Dennis Maina.

kambuni yetagwo Pasco ya Sasumwa Dam, Njabini Kinangop;

Ni ithe muthoniwa wa

Nyandarua County. Thutha-ini niahaicirio ngathi na akiandikwo

Grady(U.S.A.)

ni muthubari wa Nairobi (Nairobi City Council) kuria arutire

Kamau(U.S.A.), Eunice Kariuki(Nakuru) na Esther Maina (Bahati)

ngiinya kuhuruka gwake wira mwaka wa 1993. Kuuma ahuruka wira akoretwo guku Subukia akiruta mawira matiganite hamwe na urimi

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na

Nathan Mutisya(U.S.A.), Jeremy

Benson

Njaria(Nairobi),

Dr.

Mercy

KANITHA

NDWARI

Mutigairi John Wang’ombe niabatithirio kanitha-ini wa P.C.E.A.

Mutigairi John Wang’ombe Kariuki niakoretwo agithinio ni

e Munini kuria aciari ake mathomaga. Thutha ucio niaingirire

mwiri na kuri tariki 5/12/2021akigiirwo ni ciana ciake agitwaro

kanitha wa Anglican Church (A.C.) St. Francis Njabini Kinangop

Nairobi kwao mucii nigetha arigitagirwo kuo. Rimwe na rimwe

kuria aigirirwo moko ni mutigairi Rt. Rev. Landan Kamau Mbiu.

niaratwaragwo Nairobi hospital guthimwo kuhaica gwa thakame

Mwaka-ini wa 1973 niamurirwo gutuika LAY LEADER na agithii

na cukari. Kuri utuku wa 6/3/2022 thaa thita cia utuku niehirwo

na mbere gutungata kanitha-ini wa ACK magumu, Kinangop.

ni mwiri na agitwarwo Nairobi Hospital kuri etirwo ni Mwathani

Niacokire agithii kanitha-ini wa ACK St. John Ihinga, Gatundu,

igikinya thaa 2.30 am. Ruci-ini rwa 7/3/2022.

Kiambu county Kuria atungatire nginya kuhuruka wira wa LAY

Ahuruka ari na ukuru wa miaka 84. Niatiga mutumia wake

LEADER mwaka-ini wa 1993. Oka mucii Subukia niathire

arendete, ciana 7, anake atatu na airitu ana. Arari guka wa

na mbere e mushirika wa Kanitha wa ACK Good shepherd.

ciana nyingi

Kuri mwaka wa 2005, me hamwe na ngwataniro ya Arash

Ni Ngai waheanire na nowe wacokera.

makiambirira kanitha wa ACK Emmanuel Arash kuria akoretwo agiteithiriria me hamwe na family yake wira-ini wa Ngai na njira

VERSES

nyingi ta:-

Isaia 57:2

• Gukorwo muhari-ini wa mbere kurikia mwako wa kanitha na iti.

“...Andũ arĩa matũũraga ũtũũro wa ũthingu, makua matwaragwo makahuurũke.”

• Mwako ukoretwo kuo wa thibitari.

Aroma 14:8

• Kugura Laptop, Projector and Screen.

“Twatũũra muoyo tũtũũraga nĩ ũndũ wa Mwathani, na twakua

• Gutongoria kiama gia kanitha kia arume (KAMA)

tũkuaga no ũndũ wa Mwathani. Nĩ ũndũ ũcio, twatũũra muoyo

• Ona kuheana motaro matiganite kuri utongoria wa

kana tũkue-rĩ, ithuĩ tũrĩ o a Mwathani.”

kanitha.

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Tributes

Family Tribute

Tribute from Timothy Wang’ombe

Tribute from Liz Wang’ombe

memory no one can heal. It’s sad to know that my dad is no

On that dreadful day that you departed this world to join the

Love leaves a memory no one can steal, but death leaves a

When the mirror is broken you no longer see your image.

The passing of our daddy shocked our family to the core.

he can to help others; how consistently he lifts those around

more with us but again it is a loving memory for me when I

saints, it has not been the same again for me. Daddy, you

Even though we knew it was looming based on our multiple

him with a kind word, a funny joke, a compliment, a humble

think about the life of my dad & all he did for me in the time

were the mirror at which I looked at my life, the mirror at

conversations with him we didn’t know it will come this soon.

ear, or the very shoes off his feet. By this measure, our Dad

we spent together. The good memories will remain with me

which I looked at myself, and now that you are gone my

We all wished that we could have more time to listen to his

was immeasurable.

forever, knowing the ability impacted by my dad into my life. All

life is so empty that I feel it in my soul. My solace is the fact

the good things that he taught me …. A humble man who was

that you live a righteous life. Every moment of your life is

We have lost our Dad, but only in body, not in spirit. This

intelligent and intellectual, full of jokes, always stresses the

like a book on a path towards heavenly bliss. Daddy when

Timmy (Nyina wa Timo). We’ll always remember that special

is by far the most painful and heart-ripping and life-altering

importance of education, family unity, love for God, love for

I close my eyes the image of you is all I see. The summary

smile, that caring heart, that warm embrace, you always gave

experience we have endured. But we do our best to remain

others, and hard work in life to become a great person. Daddy,

of our togetherness from an early age to your exit lingers on

us. You were there for Mom and us, through good and bad

grateful and comforted knowing how much our beloved Dad

my heart bleeds each time I remember that you are gone, but

my mind it’s a memory that even death cannot erase. Your

times, no matter what. We’ll always remember you Daddy

positively affected the lives of others.

your loving & caring fatherly role will continue lingering in my

departure has made me broken and transformed me into the

humble heart forever.

person I am today. I love you, Daddy.

Tribute from Mary Mutisya

Tribute from Abigael Wang’ombe – Grady

great words of wisdom and share many jokes and continues to see how well he treated mum who she always called Wa-

because they’ll never be another one to replace you in our hearts, and the love we will always have for you

He was the most sincerely selfless person we have ever known with no attachment to material things — he would

We know the pain of losing our daddy will never leave us but

literally give you what had in the name of meeting others’

we believe that by God’s Grace it will ease with time as we

needs first. All you had to do was to share a need with him

Dad, I really miss you, never knew you would leave us so

process and get through it, but I don’t suspect we will get over

and he would immediately start looking for solutions to meet

suddenly, you were a good man, you advised me and did your

could call him at any time and he always has a solution to my

it. How can we? How can we get over a person who has been

that need. If there was a neighbor or a family friend in need,

best to provide for my siblings and me. You tried your best in

problem. Life is different without him, but I am grateful I got

there since before we were even aware of ourselves? As we

dad will call and mobilize all of us and remind us that we need

helping people, I am saddened that death took you away, but

to call him my dad. My dad was my hero. He was the most

to send our financial contribution.

God said in all things we should give him thanks. Your death

courageous and resourceful man. I never questioned if he

left a scar in our hearts but your legacy will stand in our life.

loved or cared for me because he made it so obvious. I still

We miss you Dad

feel him with me each day and I am living life for the both of

write this, the pain is intense and our hearts are aching, but we are encouraged by the words of the scripture.

Daddy loved to sing the Kikuyu hymns and loved to make Psalms 116: 15

people laugh. All he ever wanted to do was make other

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful

people feel comfortable and make sure they were not feeling

servants.

left out. This is because he knew what it was like to be poor

Isaiah 57:2

and be unable to meet basic needs. He grew up poor and

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as

an orphan and did not have many resources available for

they lie in death.

him. And as he got older, he always rooted for the people in

Romans 14:8

need, because he knew what it felt like to be poor. He was

If we live, we live to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we

a special man to all of us and A heart of gold is what every

belong to the Lord.

family member and friend has said about my Dad. And it’s incredible to see just how boundless his reach has been.

As a family, we have pondered with the question of What is the measure of a man? Is it the amount of money he has?

Daddy left an impact on every person he met, even strangers,

The possessions he owns and the power he holds? Is it the

who didn’t stay strangers very long because he was just so

professional success he’s achieved over the years? We don’t

friendly. The love our Daddy spread on this Earth continues

believe it is any of these things. The true measure of a man is

to grow and will live on, and that is the ultimate measure of

how much love he gives; how selflessly he shares whatever

any human being.

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My father was my biggest fan and my greatest role model. I

us now. Farewell Dad!

Tribute from Amos Wang’ombe

Daddy as a young man you taught me determination. I thank you for that so much. I learned appreciation from having a dad that provided for us. You taught me the importance of education! We had so many good times, memories, love that no one can ever take from me. You fought through many battles and survived! I survived many things in life with the determination I learned from you. Daddy, you are truly a leader, an exemplar, a confidant, a teacher, a hero, and a friend. You

value education, appreciate others, and be there for others. I live with that! I understand that now as I’m grown. Thank you for teaching me to do it myself if I really wanted something, never let anyone drag me down! When our kids were born you loved them so much as they loved their Granddaddy! You went through many trying times. You amazed me as your son! So many things you taught me, but the greatest thing was I was truly loved! Thanks for being my Daddy! I love you.

taught me to love and serve God, Love family, and friends,

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Tributes Tribute from Peninah Wang’ombe

NIEKUNDONGORIA MWATHANI (296)

Dads are someone to look up to, someone to follow, someone

Tribute from Maina Wang’ombe

Dear Dad, you took me in and made me your son. You

Niekundongoria Mwathani

to admire, someone to be proud of and someone to brag about,

showed me the directions of life and provided guidance. You

Na nii ningukena muno

Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

taught me resilience and provided me with unconditional

Haria hothe ndiithiaga

Mogwati na maingĩ, ndũngĩ thiĩ wĩ wiki

and someone to respect, someone to listen to and someone to

love. I call you a father with pride and joy. You were a true

Ni jesu urindongoragia

Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

talk to, someone to try and impress, sometimes rebel against, and,

father to me and you did what the Best father does – Ease

someone, most of all, with whom to share everything this wonderful

the burdens of those he loves. You have been a blessing

CHORUS

Twarana nake, twarana nake

to My children and they are thankful for having you as a

Niwandongoririe

Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

time you met them you showered them with gifts. I am so incredibly

loving grandfather. You loved them and showered them

niundongoretie

Gwakorwo nĩ ũtukũ kana nĩ mũthenya

grateful and happy that I have had all this and much, much more

with unconditional love. I am grateful for God giving you to

Guoko gwaku kunyitite

Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

with my dad. I have been blessed to have had you as my Dad and

me as a father who has always been there to love me and

Ningugitwarana nawe

my best friend.

ease my burdens.

Mwathani undongoragie

someone to hold and someone to cry with, someone to learn from

life has to offer. My kids called you Guka wa mapesa because every

RUGENDO-INI RURU (304) Rũgendo-inĩ rũrũ rũagũthiĩ igũrũ

Rũgendo rwa gũthiĩ igũrũ nĩ rũraihu Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

Na rimwe ndi magerio-ini

Nĩ tũkahurũka twarĩ kia rũgendo

Na ringi ndi gikeno-ini

Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

Maria mothe mariukaga Mwathani undeithagie

Nĩ tũthondekirũo ciikaro igũrũ Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

Guoko gwaku kunyitite

Twakinya igũrũ nĩ tũkoona Mwathani

Amwe nimekurakara

Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

Kiria giothe uriheaga Ndi hakuhi kwamukira

Twatigia hanini twambate igũrũ Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

Inginina wira wa thi

Nĩ kuo tũgaatũũra tene o na tene

Ningathii gwaku iguru

Twarana na Mwathi Jesũ

Na nii ningagukumagia We uria wanandongoria.

Songs & Hymns

KAI JESU NI MWEGA, ATWENDE UU! (122)

THI INO NI KWIHITUKIRA (322) [1]Thĩ ĩno nĩ kwĩhĩtukĩra Ndirĩ na ũtũro gũkũ Mũciĩ witũ nĩ matu-inĩ Kũrĩa Mwathani athire Nĩ ngũka. Nĩ ngũka . Nĩ ngũka. Mwathani wakwa Nĩ ngũka. Nĩ ngũka Thĩ ĩno ndĩrĩ na ũturo wakwa

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Kaĩ Jesu nĩ mwega, atwende ũũ!

Jesu na arĩa akũũre me ndũgũ mũno;

Nĩomire igũrũ agĩũka gũkũ,

We nĩamatongagia ngoro-inĩ ciao;

Nĩathecirwo nĩ andũ na nĩathĩnire,

Mũtangĩri wao na mũrĩithi nowe;

Akĩũragwo tondũ wa niĩ nawe.

O kĩrĩa maagaga we akamahe.

[2] Thĩ ĩno nĩ kwĩhĩtũkĩra

[4] Paul akĩrengwo mũtwe,

Ndirĩ na ũtũro gũkũ,

Petero akĩambwo mũtĩ-inĩ

Petero nĩ ehĩtũkĩire

Nĩ kuonania marĩ agenĩ

Ona Mũtũmwo Paul.

, Na agendi gũkũ thĩ.

Na nĩendaga mũno tuoherũo mehia;

Inyuĩ tuĩkai a Jesu tene;

O ũrĩa werira akamũiyukia,

Andũ arathime no andũ ake;

[3]Ũtonga ndũngĩhota

[5] Arata no mandige,

Na ndangĩte mũndũ ũmwĩtĩkĩtie,

Ta rĩu mũrĩ muoyo nĩamwendaga,

Kũnginyia kũrĩa ũtũraga

No mwathani ndangĩndiga

No amũteithagie o hingo cio.

O na ningĩ mwakua ndakamũtiga.

No thakame yahota

Tondũ nĩ mericũkagwo,

Ya mũhonokia Jesũ.

No Jesũ ndeiicũkagwo.

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TWATHINIO MUNO Twathĩnio mũno nĩ twĩyũragia Gĩtũmi gĩa tũhinyĩrĩrio Rĩrĩa kwĩna aingĩ hakuhĩ na ithuĩ Matageragio ta ithuĩ Ngai nowe ũngĩhota kũmenya Gĩtũmi gĩa tũhinyĩrĩrio Cokia ngatho mũrũ wa ithe witũ Macio mothe baba nĩ amooĩ Gĩkuũ gĩoka kũrĩ arĩa twendete Gĩtũtigaga na maithori Tũkeyũria twĩkĩte Ngai atĩa Ti itherũ baba e na gĩtũmi Ngai nowe ũngĩhota kũmenya Gĩtũmi gĩa tũhinyĩrĩrio Cokia ngatho mũrũ wa ithe witũ Macio mothe baba nĩ amooĩ

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Jesũ ooka rĩngĩ ihinda rĩa mũico

Na twamuona mwathani agĩcooka

Ũguo nĩguo mwathani oigire

Akiuma mũciĩ wa ũthamaki

Matukũ mooru no magaathira

Tũkamũtũũnga mũthamaki ũcio

Tũkamũtũnga kũu igũrũ

Hĩndĩ ĩyo maithori mathire

Ngai nowe ũngĩhota kũmenya

Ngai nowe ũngĩhota kũmenya

Gĩtũmi gĩa tũhinyĩrĩrio

Gĩtũmi gĩa tũhinyĩrĩrio

Cokia ngatho mũrũ wa ithe witũ

Cokia ngatho mũrũ wa ithe witũ

Macio mothe baba nĩ amooĩ

Macio mothe baba nĩ amooĩ

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Rest Easy Grandpa, Daddy, Husband, Friend, Leader, Mentor