Mama Hannah Wairimu Kariuki steps forward as her son, Julius Wanjohi (2nd right holding his little son), his wife Naomi, (3rd right,) daughter Noreen (5th right), David Njoya (far left) and a section of other relatives present themselves at the altar in supplication and thanksgiving. Photo/Wanjohi Nderitu
By Wanjohi Nderitu
In a display reminiscent of the biblical narrative where only one out of ten healed lepers returned to thank Jesus Christ, a 78-year-old widow led her family to church on Sunday to publicly thank former Ol Kalou MP Muriuki Karue for sponsoring her son’s education through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Mama Hannah Wairimu Kariuki, who was displaced from Kericho county during tribal clashes, organized a special thanksgiving service at Kamande PCEA church in Ndemi Parish of the Aberdare Presbytery on September 14, where Karue featured prominently, in absentia.
Addressing the congregation, Mama Wairimu tearfully recalled her encounter with the former legislator:
“He received me so warmly and instantly heeded to my cry for help for my son who had been admitted at Nyandarua High School since we had not even a coin.”
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The family’s beneficiary, Julius Wanjohi Kariuki, received comprehensive support that extended beyond basic tuition fees. According to his mother, “The son had not only had his entire 4-year school fees paid, but had also on top received other miscellaneous financial assistance.”
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The support continued into Wanjohi’s university education at Moi University, where he faced another financial hurdle.
“When he was sent home barely after a semester for fees balance, Karue personally visited him at home and assured him that he would have to proceed with his education,” Mama Wairimu narrated. “He wrote a letter of commitment to the university, and even gave him fare to deliver it.”
The former MP’s office ensured timely remittance of fees and upkeep throughout Wanjohi’s university education. Today, Julius Wanjohi Kariuki is a successful employee of the Safaricom Foundation.
The family had lost touch with Karue until May this year, when Mama Wairimu unexpectedly met the former MP’s personal assistant, David Njoya, at a funeral in Kieni village. This reunion inspired the organization of the thanksgiving service, which Njoya coordinated and attended to represent his boss.
Church service filled with thanksgiving and political commentary
The thanksgiving was integrated into the main service, where Wanjohi and his wife Naomi Wangari presented their firstborn child, Noreen Wairimu, to the Lord. The young family also made first-fruits offerings from their farming activities, alongside other gifts to the church.
The service, led by Parish Moderator Rev. Lucy Mote, featured a powerful sermon by newly ordained Rev. Morris Mwangi, who serves as the Parish Minister of the neighbouring Kirima Parish and teaches English and Social Studies at Mukindu Secondary School.
Rev. Mote used the opportunity to criticize the Social Health Authority (SHA) for requiring a lump-sum payment of a full year’s contribution before accessing immediate hospital services, sharing a personal story where her family member passed away shortly after the payment was made.
She also advocated for churches to receive NG-CDF assistance and voiced concerns over the high taxes strain on the clergy’s salaries.
“The taxes on pay slips are too many, leaving the men and women of God in awkward financial situations,” she said.
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Rev. Mwangi advised congregants on financial wisdom:
“Kenyans should learn to discern and avoid indulging in scams promising quick wealth, and instead work hard and trust in God to bless them at his own divine timing.”
He emphasized the spiritual importance of giving, saying, “Tithing and thanksgiving attract divine blessings. They are divine magnets for blessings.”
Beneficiary pledges to give back to community
Expressing his gratitude, Wanjohi stated, “I will forever be indebted to God and Karue.”
In a side interview with The Home News, he elaborated on his plans to pay forward the kindness he received.
“I will strive to continue giving back to the community to who I also attribute my success,” Wanjohi said.
He also acknowledged his employer’s contribution to local development, adding, “I thank my employer for aiding various community projects in my home village, including schools and a water project.”
Political shifts: Njoya announces allegiance change and 2027 bid
The thanksgiving service took an unexpected political turn when Njoya addressed the congregation about the changing political landscape in Nyandarua county.
“Owing to the prevailing bad governance in the country, the people of Nyandarua county have shifted their allegiance from United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) that is led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua,” Njoya announced.
He then revealed his own political ambitions, declaring, “I will present myself as a candidate for the Rurie Ward in the 2027 elections on a DCP ticket.”
Wa Njoya, as he is popularly called, once served as a nominated member of the Nyandarua County Assembly, and is a renowned orator and mobilizer.
His re-entry into active politics sets the stage for a potential contest with the current MCA for Rurie ward, Thinji Kiriga, who is expected to defend his position.
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