You lived a humble life. You loved peace, paid your debts and were a source of joy to your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. These are the virtues we will strive to adopt.

Grandpa, you taught us to live in peace and harmony despite the pressures of life. You were a special kind of friend, amiable and down to earth. It was always a pleasure sitting with you, for, even without saying a word, one would walk away feeling like it was the best conversation he or she ever had.

They say you never know what you have until you lose it, but we always knew the kind of treasure we had in you.

In December 1937, the late Njoroge wa Gacuki and Njoki wa Gatheca of Mugutha, Kigumo village, Komothai location of Githunguri in present day Kiambu County were blessed with their fifth and sixth children. They were twins, named Mugo and Wairimu. This is where the story of James Mugo Njoroge-Kissinger begins.

He lived an eventful and illustrious life, starting school at Kijabe AIM and then holding a stint as a ‘kitchen toto’ for local missionaries. In 1958, he went to work on his uncle’s farm, the late Senior Chief Muhoho wa Gatheca, who happens to be Mama Ngina Kenyatta’s father.

In 1962, he was employed by the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta at his Ichaweri farm, and here he rose from a farm hand to a trusted dairy man. He later moved to Mzee Kenyatta’s Thangari farm, where legend has it that Mzee Kenyatta would only drink milk from a particular cow milked by Mugo. He would deliver the milk to Ichaweri in the mornings and evenings.

Mugo married Regina Wang’eri in 1962 and they were blessed with nine children. In 1969, he moved his family to his farm in Siron, Marmanet Settlement Scheme in Laikipia County. He continued working at Ichaweri until 1976 when he retired. Mzee Mugo was a Gikuyu elder, Mwaki wa Marmanet, Laikipia County.

You were born in December and left in December. It will take a lifetime to forget you and we will hold on to your memories forever.