A somber mood engulfed mourners at the funeral service of 78-year-old retired Thigio Boys Secondary School principal Stephen Chege Kamau at his home in Githirioni village, Lari sub-county.
Tears flowed freely from family members, relatives, neighbors, church members, and former students who said the society had lost a man of great knowledge.
Family members broke down when former Lari Kirenga MCA Joseph Karichu, who is his nephew, described him as a person who did not have boundaries.
”My uncle is one person who loved his family, neighbors, the church, and all the activities he did. He used to balance all because he would accommodate us all,” he said.
”He would call us to a meeting and advise us by telling us the real issues that affect the family and the society. He never feared anything or anyone; he aimed at driving his point home. We have truly lost a pillar, but we have to accept that,” the former MCA said.
Githirioni Chief John Njoroge, who was accompanied by his assistant Kibe Ndore, said the village had lost a treasure since he would advise on nearly all development activities in the area.
”He would advise us in terms of education, roads, and career selection, especially for our youth. His participation and concern for our village was overwhelming. We have lost an important person,” he noted.
Former students from Thigio Boys, led by Peter Muchendu, said their former school head was dedicated to his work, ensuring that they were in class on time, that students had a teacher, and that students behaved accordingly.
The former learners, who had nicknamed Kamau “Papa,” explained to the mourners that their former school head was concerned with their welfare at all times, like a parent.
”Our school head was there for us all the time. He ensured that we had a teacher in class, there was enough food for us, and that we were responsible. Being responsible is a virtue that is brought by good manners. He would work on bad manners like nobody’s business,” Muchendu explained.
Thigio Boys Secondary School is in Ndeiya sub-county, which is in Limuru constituency.
Another former student, Elder Patrick Kiongo, said Chege was a role model to many of them since he was a leader, a good manager, and always smart.
”He had a lot of respect for us as students, and he used to remind us that he was our parent and a teacher when we were at school, and it was his duty to ensure we had covered the syllabus and that we had earned the virtue of being responsible,” Elder Kiongo said.
Karichu thanked all the mourners for supporting them during the mourning season, urging them to remember him in the upcoming 2027 general elections, as he will be contesting for the Lari parliamentary seat.
Kikuyu Council of Elders’ Thiong’o wa Gitau urged the locals to pray for the country so that more people like Chege can be found.
Gitau, who neighbors Chege, said the former teacher had set a good example to be copied by many, urging locals to embrace serving their families as well as society.
”Now we have lost an icon. He has taught so many issues. What have you learned? What legacy will you leave us with? Let us all embrace doing good to one another and we shall become a blessing,” he said.
Just before his body was taken to the grave, heavy rainfall fell for about an hour, and later he was buried.
