Ngoru eulogy

Celebrating the Life of

PETER NGORU MUCHIRI 1948 - 06 Sep 2020

ORDER OF PROGRAM 07:30AM: Departure from home 08:00AM: Arrival at K.U Funeral Home 08:15AM: Viewing and prayers 09:00AM: Departure from K.U Funeral Home 09:30AM: Arrival at St. Francis of Assisi Ruiru Catholic Church 09:30AM: Speeches Family: Lt. Col. Nelson Mbugua, Muchiri Irungu Friends: James Ndegwa, Dr. Edward Mungai, Wakili Gathii Irungu Performance: Francis Kiige Church: CMA Moderator Administration: Chief George Mwaura Elected leaders: Hon. Elijah Njoroge/Hon. Daniel Kaberi 11:00AM: Holy Mass 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6a, 7-9 Responsorial Psalms: Psalm 23:1-6 Gospel: John 14:1-6

Ngoru’s Late Mom

Eulogy: Lt. Col. Nelson Mbugua and Catholic Men’s Association 01:00AM: Tributes Mother: Maria Mbula Children: Daniel Mbugua Thanks giving: John G. Mwangi Master of ceremony: Pastor Wambiru and Roman Kariuki Transport manager: Eric Karanja and Maxwell Kinyanjui Ushers: St. Magdalene Small Christian Community, Catholic Mens’ Association and Ruiru Professionals Association First Aid: St. John’s Ambulance, Peter Karanja

The younger Ngoru

EULOGISING PETER NGORU MUCHIRI BIRTH OF A SON

Five ululations were heard in the house of the late Mariamu Wambui na Muchiri Irungu in 1948, in Embu County at a village called Kihumbu-ini, an indication that, a baby boy had been born. The baby boy turned out to be a very bold and intelligent man and the man we all came to love and respect, this is Peter Ngoru Muchiri, the man we now mourn. In the same house, five children had been born, these are the late Ibrahim Irungu, late Njeri Muchiri, late Joseph Kamau, late James Mwangi and Bob Maina (Embu). Peter Ngoru therefore had siblings to play with and share responsibilities.

There was even more happiness as the house expanded further, after Jane Nyambura (Ruai) was born.

THE MAKING OF A MAN

Peter Ngoru grew in deep favour of his neighbours; If you missed him at home, he was either at a neighbour’s house running his parents’ errands or playing with other children.

After few years of playing hide and seek, ‘public van public van’ and other games that children played in the yester-years, Peter Ngoru started schooling at Itabua Primary School. On 10th December, 1964, while still in primary school, Peter was baptized in the Catholic Diocese of Embu. He continued serving in church and was a committed altar server.

Ngoru was determined in school. At the same time, he was assisting his parents with domestic chores. He excelled in his KPE examinations

in 1966. After finishing school, Peter’s parents shifted to Ol Kalou, the residence that later became the upcountry home. Peter continued schooling; He joined Kevute Secondary School and took his O-levels exams (EACE) in 1970. He then joined Machakos Boys High School for his A-levels where he performed so exemplary well that he was admitted to the University of Nairobi to study a Bachelors in Land Economics.

During his wedding

BUILDING THE NATION

Ngoru’s knowledge and intelligence while at the university earned him employment as a clerk at the Ministry of Education at Marshalls House.

He was later employed at Kenatco where he worked for a while before joining BP Gatundu (presently called Shell) as an accountant. He has worked at the institution until his retirement in 2008. In the course of his work, he travelled a lot and met and made many new friends. He was a diligent worker and an excellent team player, something that made him interact well with the people he worked with.

While working in Nairobi, in 1973, he met his beloved wife Fidelis Njahira. They went out for many dates, or you can call them picnics. Who wouldn’t have fallen for such an intelligent and handsome man? They got married in 1977 and were later blessed with three children; Robert Muchiri, Daniel Mbugua and the last-born Solomon Irungu. Peter Ngoru, or Baba Muchiri as he was popularly known, shifted with his family to Ruiru, in 1990. He treasured unity among the people he met, solidarity in the

With his friend Baba Irene

At his work station

neighbourhood and fostering development. It is for this reason that, together with other likeminded men, they formed the council of elders and nyumba kumi that assisted the chief in his work.

husband who loved her unconditionally. She says that he was devoted to the extent that, she never attended any meetings in school. Baba Muchiri would take his duties as the husband and a dad with a lot of commitment.

A PIOUS MAN OF GOD

His children Robert Muchiri, Daniel Mbugua and Solomon Irungu pride themselves of a father who held them close to his heart. They remember a dad who revered education, showed them how to create a vision and instilled in them the requisite discipline to help them realise their dreams.

Peter believed that when someone comes to you for help, he/she should not be turned down. He would say that if you are unable to compete with the pious in their good deeds, you should at least compete with the sinful in their repentance. He joined St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ruiru where he was a devout follower. Peter took his nuptials with his wife Fidelis on 16th September, 2000. The wedding was officiated by Rev. Fr. Francis Jabedo. They later shifted to St. Monica Catholic Church, Fort Jesus. Peter became a member of the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA) on 10th April, 2016.

He was a follower of St. Mary Magdalene Small Christian Community, previously named St. Fidelis after his wife. Peter had received the six sacraments offered by the church. He loved his children, family and neighbours in accordance with Christ’s commandment.

PASSING ON THE LEGACY

Many of us who are lucky to have encountered Baba Muchiri remember his generous smile, calm and easy demeanor, even when we were placing unreasonable and taxing requests to him. The ease with which he was willing to help the many who requested his support revealed that his smile was genuine. Notable was the affection, that translated into tender loving care that he passed on to his family.

He was an intelligent, generous and cheerful man. His wife Fidelis Njahira remembers a

Friends and relatives will remember a man who tried his best to resolve family conflicts and a man who praised peace. The council of elders will remember the man who was their secretary and the man who took their minutes in a very attractive handwriting and had good judgement.

One sage said, “I am not afraid of death, I am afraid of dying before I have lived and achieved my purpose in life.” So then, pain is not that we do die, but the possibility of dying before we have lived our lives, fulfilled our purpose, touched the people we were supposed to touch and built what we were supposed to build.

John 10:10, Jesus Christ tells us why he came, “I came so that you may have life. And have life in abundance.” Peter Ngoru has lived a full, abundant and impactful life. He is now gone to be with the Lord, but his legacy lives on. He has left his wife, three children and many friends and relatives.

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

Rest in eternal peace Peter Ngoru Muchiri.

At the statue of Mother Mary

After Ngoru joined CMA

KURIRIKANA PETER NGORU MUCHIRI KAHII GUCIARWO

Ngemi ithano cia kahii niciaugirwo nyumba-ini ya atigairi Mariamu Wambui na Muchiri Irungu mwaka-ini wa 1948, kaunti-ini ya Embu, ituura riitagwo Kihumbui-ini, kuonania ati, kaana ga kahii nigaciarwo. Kaana kau niko mutigairi Peter Ngoru Muchiri, muthuri urari na ucamba na uugi muingi, na muthuri turendete na tukahe gitio muno.

Mucii-ini o ucio, nikwambite gugaciarwo ciana ingi, na nio atigairi Ibrahim Irungu, Njeri Muchiri, Joseph Kamau, James Mwangi na muru wa nyina Bob Maina uria uikaraga Embu. Niundu ucio, Ngoru ndangiakiagire ciana cia guthaka nacio. Aciari a Ngoru nimacokire makiongerera thuburia, thutha wa kurathimwo na mwana ungi, na niwe Jane Nyambura (Ruai).

KAHII GUTHONDEKEKA

Ngoru ari kahii kendetwo ni andu itura-ini riu, na tondu mwana mwega ndagaga muthambia, ungiakagire kwao niungiagakorire kwa andu a itura, gatumitwo ni nyina kana gagithaka.

Thutha wa kuhura mbira, kwihithana, na guthaka mathako mangi maria mathakagwo ni ciana hindi io, kahii kau nigakinyirie miaka ya guthii thukuru. Hau niho, Peter Ngoru ahingurithirio thukuru wa Itabua Primary School. Mwakaini wa 1964, muthenya wa ikumi mweri-ini wa Gatumu, e thukuru wa muthingi, Ngoru niabatithiirio Kanitha wa Catholic, Diocese ya Embu. Niathire na mbere kurumirira kanitha, na aari, mutumiki wa mitha.

Ngoru niathomire na kio, o hindi iyo agiteithagia aciari ake kuruta mawira ma mucii, na akihituka kigeranio kiria giekagwo hindi iyo gia KPE mwaka-ini wa 1966. Thutha wa kurikia cukuru, aciari a Ngoru nimacokire magithamira Ol Kalou, kuria gwacokire gutuika gicagi kia Ngoru. Peter Ngoru niathiire na mbere na githomo, akiingira thukuru wa Kevute Secondary School na akihituka wega mwakaini wa 1970. Thutha wa kurikia “O-levels” (EACE) Ngoru niathire thukuru-ini wa Machakos Boys High School kuria ekire “A-levels”. Ahitukire na agiitwo University ya Nairobi agathomere Land Economics.

During his wedding

GWAKA BURURI NA KUNYITANIRA NA ANDU

Uugi wa Ngoru e university niwamuteithirie kwandikwo wira. Niambiriirie waki wa bururi aandikwo wira Ministry ya Githomo, Marshalls House, kuria atungatire kwa ihinda e karani.

Thutha ucio niandikirwo ni kabuni ya Kenatco na agicoka akiandikwo BP Gatundu (iria niyo Shell umuthi), kuria arutire wira wa mathabu o nginya ritaya yake mwaka-ini wa 2008. Mawira maya nimatumire acere kundu kuingi kuria agiire arata aingi. Ngoru niarari na kio kinene wiraini wake. Ni aroi kuruta wira na andu aria angi, undu uria uratumaga ature urata na andu aria anaruta wira nao.

O akirutaga wira, Ngoru nimacemanirie na mwendwa wake Fidelis Njahira mwaka-ini wa 1973. Nimacokire thutha wa kumenyana kwa ihinda makihikania mwaka-ini wa 1977. Ngoru, kana Ithe Wa Muchiri – o ta uria aroikaine

Ngoru’s Family

kundu kuingi – mari na mutumia wake, nimatanahiirwo na ciana ithatu, nicio Robert Muchiri, Daniel Mbugua na kahinga nda kao Solomon Irungu. Nimacokire magithamira Ruiru, Gwa Gitambaya itura-ini ria Fort Jesus.

Maari amwe a andu aria maambiriirire guikara kuu, mwaka-ini wa 1990. Ithe Wa Muchiri ni arendete kunyitanira na andu, kurehe urumwe itura-ini na kuona uthii wa na mbere ukihanika.

Niundu wa uguo, arari umwe wa athuri a itura na nyumba kumi, aria mateithagia cibu wira-ini wake.

Araririkana muthuri ureruteire uu ati, we, e mutumia wake, ndari athii mucemanio wa thukuru, ni Ithe Wa Muchiri wathiaga, ena wendo muingi na wirutiri.

URUMIRIRI WA KANITHA

Arata ake a itura na aria metainwo nake nao makaririkana muthuri urageragia muno kunina njukaniriro cia micii na mundu urakumitie thayu. Athuri a itura nimararirikana muthuri uria wa mandikagira uria gwacirwo na mwandiko mwega muno na uuma muingi kuma riria maambiriirie kiama kia athuri a itura.

Mundu umwe mugi oigire atiri, “Ndiitigirite gukua, kiria nditigirite ni gukua itekite uria ndarehirwo thi ino gwika.” Kwa uguo ri, ruo runene ti ati nitukuaga, ta ati notukue tutekite uria twombirwo gwika. Thiinii wa John 10:10, Yesu Kristu aratwira ati okire niguo tugie na muoyo na tugie naguo kuna. Ithe Wa Muchiri araturire uturo muiyuru, uturo wina maciaro, na uturo tugutura turirikanaga. Nituracokeria Ngai ngatho niundu wa miaka iyo mirongo mugwaja na iiri (72) iria aramuheire. Peter Ngoru Muchiri araturire uturo urahutitie andu aingi ngoro.

Riu e gwoko-ini kwa Ngai. No kiririkano giake gigutura ngoro-ini ciitu gwa kahinda karaya.

Atiga mutumia wake, ciana ciake ithatu na andu angi aingi aria maretainwo nake.

Thutha wa guthamira Ruiru, Peter Ngoru Muchiri aingirire kanitha-ini wa St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Ni arumiriire kirira gia kanitha, na kuri mweri 16, Mugaa Wa Keri, mwaka wa 2000, nimeruhirie uhiki wa kanitha mari na mutumia wake. Manyitithanirio ni Rev. Fr. Francis Jabedo. Nimacokire magithamira kanitha-ini wa St. Monica Catholic Church, Fort Jesus. Peter niatuikire mumemba wa Catholic Mens’ Association (CMA), mweri ikumi, mweri wa ina, mwaka wa 2016. Arari murumiriri wa mwaki wa St. Mary Magdalene, na noguo wetagwo St. Fidelis, o ta mutumia wake uria etagwo. Arahetwo sakaramendi ciothe iria iheanagwo ni kanitha. Arari muthuri urendete ciana, nyumba na itura o kuringana na riathani ria Ngai.

GUTIGA KIRIRIKANO

Ithe wa Muchiri arari na uugi na utana wa muthemba wa mwanya. Undu uyu niuramuheaga riri muno na gucanjamura aria othe maracemanagia nake.

Mutumia wake Fidelis Njahira, araririkana muthuri uramwendete na akenda ciana ciake.

Ciana ciao, Robert Muchiri, Daniel Mbugua na Solomon Irungu, maretiira ithe uramendete na wendo wa ma, na akamonia ubaciriri munene.

Mararirikana baba urendete na gukumia githomo, uramonagia uria mangikorwo na kioneki o na njira na mitugo iria mangirumirira niguo cioneki ciao cihinge.

Ni Ngai wamuheanire, na nowe wamucokera.

Ritwa riake rirogocwo. Amen.

With his Wife in church

Visiting his Son in School

TRIBUTE A tribute to an outstanding husband Baba Muchiri, without a clue, without a hint of what was yet to be, God called you home to with Him. You are and was the definition of true and pure love. A love we planned to share till eternity since 1973. A love that is still there and will always be.

I miss your voice and laughter, punctuality or orderliness were your mantra, these are shoes I will try to fit in. You offered me and our children absolute and intelligent guidance. I will never forget your care and how how you took up your responsibilities. Your love for our children was beyond comprehension.

A perfect dad is what they had. You kept the vows we took before the altar during our wedding in 2000. Even as you are at Jesus’ feet I know you are smiling knowing that there is a strong woman that you have left behind. I will cherish and nurture the treasures of children you left me with. Your love for God and the church is unfathomable. How you would say a prayer before every meal is still memorable. In the church and in the presence of God is where we shall dwell for the rest of our lives for that’s whereyou sure would want us to be.

I have a lot to sayabout you my lovely husband but I will keep them inscribed in my heart now that you are gone and all that is left is nothing but memories which lead me to silence and

tears. I can no longer stare at you as you sleep but thank God he let me meet you and spend a life with you.

Rest well Baba Muchiri.

From the three sons to our loving dad

You are the kind of a dad that nobody would ever wish to have replaced. For all the times that we knew you as our dad, there was no single day we can recall that we had to be beg to be given something; You were so perfect in all your actions and you would never rest knowing that either of us was lacking anything.

Muchiri remember the wise counsel that you always passed to him. He was a keen listener of the advice you gave him.

We might have never said this before, but we’ll say it today; Dad, you are one of the best gifts that God granted us, our hope when everything turned against us; Every time you would smile, we saw our lives in you. We remember how you used to calm down when Mbugua called out your name while you were ill and while he took care of you. You are no ordinary person to us because nobody would ever fit in your shoes.

You are that treasure that we would lose our lives for and we never dreamt of having any other dad because you were perfect to us just the way you were.

Dad, what we have learnt from you is a lot more than you can ever think and were to show you everything at the right time, but now you are gone. Irungu was eager to toss his other graduation cap to you, but you preferred to watch it from Heaven. Where you have left

us and how you have left us, we do not know because we still wake up hoping we would hear that voice that called out to us. You were our golden sparrow dad and always understanding.

We can never compare you to anyone, there is so much we had planned but we know what you would want and fight for, so on this day, we promise you that we will work hard to live our best, we will be strong for you and we will not let anyone or anything wipe out your memory in our lives. We loved you, we love you and we will forever do. Forever to be remembered. Rest in peace dad.

In-laws

His wife putting the CMA tie on him

HYMNS When peace like a river

Pamoja na wewe, pamoja na Wewe Katika safari yangu, tatembea na wewe.

1. When peace like a river attendeth my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Wh atever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well, it is well with my soul 2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come Let this blest assurance control That Christ has regarded my helpless estate And has shed His own blood for my soul 3.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part, but the whole Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

4. And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight The clouds be rolled back as a scroll The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul

BWANA U SEHEMU YANGU 1.

Bwana u sehemu yangu, rafiki yangu wewe Katika safari yangu, tatembea na wewe

2.

Mali hapa sikutaka, ili niheshimiwe, Na yanikute mashaka, sawasawa na wewe

3.

Niongoze safarini Mbele unichukue Mlangoni mwa Mbinguni, niingie na wewe

Pamoja na wewe, pamoja na Wewe Katika safari yangu, tatembea na wewe.

Pamoja na wewe, pamoja na Wewe Katika safari yangu, tatembea na wewe.

His three sons in Kangemi

Mwagitaangika niki angikorwo 1

Mwagitaangika niki angikorwo Nimwihokete Ngai ngoro-ini cianyu?

Mwihokei, na nii mwii’hoke Mucii kwa Baba kwi na ciikaro Na riu nlnguthil kumuthodekera Na thuutha ucio njuke ndimugire With his friend Ndichu

2

Mucii nimuthondeke (Twiharurie) guthii gutonya guo Mwathani ni atwiraga (Tuikarie ngo)-ro citu in theru (Nakio) githima gia gwithamba Ni thakaramendi ya umburi (Nacio) irio cia rugendo Ni thakaramendi ya Eukaristi

Nii ni nii njira ya guthii iguru Ona ningi no nil uhoro uria wa ma No nii Muoyo wa tene na tene Gutiri ukinyaga gwi ithe witu Gutiri ukinyaga (a) ‘toklire kuri nii Ni nii Njira, Utuuro na Muoyo

Mwathani ninjui kuri hindi ugoka, Ugatware andu aku Iguru makahuruke; Undeithie gutiga mihang’o ya thi ino: Niguo hote gwithagathaga.

Ndarikia gukinya mucii wa Iguru, Caitani ndagacoka guuthinia ringi; Baba niakahimbiria na moko meri, Na ahurukie wendoini wake.

3 ‘Githagathagei ngoro cianyu Na mwikire matawa manyu maguta Gutigairie hanini tugiirwo Coro wa Mwathani niukahuuhwo Na mbugiririo nene Tiguo iguru Na tumuone agiuka na matu Presenting his CMA Certificate

Unyite na guoko, njikarage nawe Unyite na guoko, njikarage nawe, Ndikuuiire muti wakwa wa kwambirwo; Njikarage nawe mathinaini mothe, Nigetha undeithie kuhotana.

Mwathani ninjui ndukandiga, Na ningwenda kuona riri wa Iguru; Uhithe o haria thu itanginyona: Mehia makwa mothe umeherie.

Nii ninjui ndiri na hinya Mwathani Wa gwitiririria nditi cia Caitani Na thuti cia mwiri, na wendo wa arata, Na miago ya thi itari na bata.

His wife and sister in law Ruth

With His beloved wife

A visit by St. Francis Youth

During his wedding

His parents in-law

His sons Robert and Daniel

Sister in-law

Some of his relatives

During one of the family events

His virtuous wife

Wife and cucu

His wife working at the treasury

Last born son, Solomon

His wife

Two little sons

Wife and his sons Robert and Daniel

Visiting Irungu for academic clinic

Visiting his son in school

With his wife and brother in law

Wife and last born son

The Broken Chain Little did we know that on the wee hours of the morning when we left you at the hospital on that fateful Sunday that God was going to call you home. In life we loved you dearly and in death we still do.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

You did not go alone, a part of us went with you the day that God called you to be with him. You left us precious memories.

Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same at the moment. But as God’s grace is sufficient, the chain will link again. Fare the well Peter Ngoru.

You will be dearly missed by your wife, children, friends and relatives.

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Requiesce in pace. Amen.