LEAH WANGARI GICHURU, Rtd. Elder

 EULOGY FOR THE LATE RETIRED ELDER LEAH WANGARI GICHURU

Today, we gather with heavy hearts yet with unshaken faith to celebrate the life of Leah Wangari Gichuru—a beloved daughter, family member, friend, and sister in Christ. Though we mourn her physical absence, we do not grieve as those without hope, for our hope is anchored in Christ Jesus.

EARLY LIFE

Leah Wangari Gichuru was born on 21st June 1932 in Kabete, Kenya to the late Samuel Mwihia and Priscilla Nyanjiru.

She was the second born child in a family of ten children namely; the late Isabella Gathoni, Lilian Wanjiku, the late Wilfred Njenga, Janet Wanjiku, Ashford Kimani, Tabitha Nyaguthii, Hon. Moses Mwihia, the late Damaris Njoki and David Njoroge.

Her upbringing impacted values and educating the young generation on historical, cultural and social teachings that have been invaluable for generations.

 

EARLY EDUCATION AND CAREER BEGINNINGS

The late Mrs. Leah Wangari Gichuru began her early education at Jeans School, before relocating to Gatundu South, Kiambu County, where she continued her studies at Ichachiri Primary School. She later joined Ngenda for her intermediate education, followed by Mary Leakey Girls School. She then pursued her teaching career at Kambui Teachers Training College.

 

EMPLOYMENT

The late Mrs. Leah Wangari Gichuru was a dedicated educator who served in various schools under the Ministry of Education. Her teaching career began at Ichachiri Primary School, Gatundu South, Kiambu, followed by transfers to:

- Kamandura Primary School

- Limuru

- Nyahururu

- Njabini

- Ndondori

She eventually settled at Nyahururu, where she taught until her retirement in 1987.

 

MARRAIGE

The late elder/teacher Leah Wangari Gichuru met the love of her life the late Bethuel Muthee Gichuru in October 1958 and they were together blessed with first born twins namely Hellen Nyagaki and Godfrey Gichuru followed by Priscilla Wanjiru, the late Rev. Samuel Mwihia, Fr. Dr Robert Gichuru, the late Wilfred Njenga and the last-born Phillip Gitonga. Leah continued to balance her growing family and teaching career with grace and dedication.

CHURCH LIFE

The late elder/teacher Leah Wangari Gichuru was a dedicated Christian in the PCEA church. She was a dedicated Woman’s guild member in all the presbyterian churches she was in. Even serving as Chairlady of Woman’s guild in Nyandarua. She has planted many churches, PCEA Maina among the main ones. She has done a lot of fundraisers in many congregations in Laikipia.  Among the Churches that she has served is PCEA Njabini, PCEA Sasumwa, PCEA Nyahururu

 

COMMUNITY WORK

1.       Women Empowerment

2.       Nyandarua parent association

3.       Board member Ndururumo high school

Among many others.

 

 

A COURAGEOUS LEADER EDUCATOR

Leah used her deep faith in God to write, using storytelling, devotionals and personal reflections as tools for teaching. She was a big advocate for the education and empowerment of girls. Which she began early in her career with girl mentorship in Ichachiri. Her passion for teaching extended to her later life leading to her founding her own school; Edify School; using a plot of land she owned with buildings that were already up on the land. It started off as a nursery and progressed into a primary school further demonstrating her commitment to education and the community .

CHARACTER AND LEGACY

Leah’s life was a testament to God’s grace. She walked her journey with humility, kindness, and a quiet strength that reflected her trust in the Lord. Through seasons of joy and seasons of trial, she held on to her faith, believing that God was faithful even when the path was unclear. Her life reminded us that faith is not the absence of storms, but the assurance that God is present in them.

Leah loved deeply, served sincerely, and spoke with gentleness. Her presence brought comfort, her words brought encouragement, and her actions reflected Christ’s love. She lived not for herself, but with a heart that cared for others, leaving an imprint of love that will not fade.

May her life inspire us to live faithfully, love generously, and trust God completely. And may the Lord who comforts the broken-hearted grant peace, strength, and hope to all who loved her.

A quote from her book states: “If you visit a cemetery at night, you hear whispers everywhere. The whisperers are ghosts of people who died with secrets, trying to pass them on from the afterlife. I do not want to be a whispering ghost.”  We know that there will be no whispers in her grave for she has told her story and will continue to do so till eternity.

Rest in eternal peace, Leah Wangari Gichuru. Until we meet again in glory. Amen.

 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Today, we believe that Leah has finished her race. She has laid down her earthly burdens and has been welcomed into the eternal embrace of her Saviour.