Simon Wanjagi knew how to make lemonade out of the lemons life threw at him. He lost his mother at birth and faced numerous challenges in his young life as he took care of his ageing and widowed father. Unfortunately, at just age 30, he died in a road accident while on his way home from visiting his sister in Kitale.

Wanjagi was born in Miroleni village, the last-born child of Samuel King’ang’a and the late Jane Wanjiku. He was a brother of Rose Wahu, Veronicah Muthoni, Jackson Mukundi, Ann Ndutha, Margaret Wangare, Peter Wambugu, Lucy Nyambura, Mary Wangui, Bilha Wamaitha and John Njau.

He was until his death on April 6, 2018 a businessman who specialised in selling fruit. Wanjagi was adept at his craft, and despite his modest education, had forged many beneficial partnerships with farmers and marketers in his home region and beyond. He supplemented his income from the fruit business by dabbling in odd jobs, from which he made a living for himself and his father.

The family now prays for solace and strength as they come to terms with his death and seek to uncover the unclear circumstances that led to it. Wanjagi’s body lay in the morgue for five weeks before he was finally identified and handed over to his family for burial.

Despite the sorrows that saddled his short life, Wanjagi had learned to find his way in the world. He was strong-willed and held his head high. He handled his challenges stoically and often wore a big smile on his face.

To the rest of Mzee King’anga’s children, the young Wanjagi was a poignant reminder of their mother, and with him by their father’s side, they felt they could come to terms with their mother’s death. However, now that their brother is gone, his siblings have to contend with the painful reminder of an era past, while contemplating a new life for their frail father.

Wanjagi was buried at his father’s farm in Miroleni village, Nakuru County.