Cecilia Wanjiru wa Bethwel was a kind woman. She had a great smile and charming personality that drew people to her, and not just her family, but entire villages.

She was determined to see her children become successful people, and she gave sacrificially to this end. The fruits of her labour can be seen in the strides her family members have made in their respective careers.

Cecilia will also be remembered as a God-fearing and prayerful woman who was a member of the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) at Kirere Catholic Church.

She was an avid farmer who grew coffee and other crops, and kept livestock, including cows, pigs, goats and chicken.

Cecilia was born in Kaimiri village in Murang’a County to the late Gatu wa Njuguna and Wahu. She was a sister of Njuguna, Nyambura, Karagu, Wangonyoku, Kimani and Wangari (all deceased). She was the mother of Paul Kamau, the late Gatu, Elizabeth Wanjiku, Hanna Nyambura, John Mugethi, Lucy Njoki and the late Mercy Mbeere.

The cortege will leave Bishop Okoye Funeral Home on at 8am today for burial at her home in Kaimiri.