Mwalimu Habel Nyamu, husband of GTL Kenya Coordinator Dr. Florence Nyamu, laid to rest at Muriri Farm
Mwalimu Habel John Nyamu, husband of our GTL Kenya Coordinator Dr. Florence Nyamu, collapsed at home as he stood to walk to the car to attend a thanksgiving service and fundraiser event at Rudan Junior Academy in Lavington, Nairobi on October 3 organized to raise funds for his continued treatment for esophageal cancer. He was rushed to the Nairobi Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His funeral was held on Wednesday October 14.
Mwalimu Nyamu was a Member of the Electoral Commission of Kenya for 15 years, and a friend of current Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki. He was best known for having identified and publicized irregularities in a 2005 referendum, for speaking out against political corruption, and for encouraging accountability to the people among civil servants and elected leaders. Mwalimu Nyamu’s most recent article in the media was in the Daily Nation of August 17, 2009 in which he emphasized the need for good leadership and governance for Kenya. His last writing (not published) was a prayer to God for Kenya’s healing.
President Kibaki spoke at the funeral service at the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) St. Thomas Cathedral Church in Kerugoya. President Kibaki said that Mwalimu Nyamu “exhibited a deep understanding of the Kenyan society and outlined practical solutions to some of the challenges our nation faces.” The President noted that the life of Mr. Nyamu had impacted positively on the lives of many Kenyans for standing firm and upholding virtues of truth, integrity, hard work and honesty throughout his long career in public service. “We’ll look up to you to be successful by fulfilling what he would have wanted to fulfill," Kibaki told the Nyamus’ children and grandchildren. Metropolitan Development Minister Njeru Githae also praised Mr. Nyamu for pursuing excellence in whatever he did.
Florence described her husband as “a fighter and a man of great courage who pursued his passion vigorously till his death.” During his illness over the past year, she had devoted much of her time to caring for him. He is survived also by children John and Sibongile Nyamu, Anne Marie Nyamu, Joy and Maina Mutero, Irene and John Muriithi, Ruth and Emmanuel Lubembe, Nancy Kiragu Nyamu, Linda and Mohamed Keita, Irene Kiragu Nyamu, Carol Kiragu Nyamu, Noni and Michael Ocholi and Chris Nyamu. He is grandfather of Caroline Nyamu and James Kariuki, Wairimu and Mwai Nyamu, Waihiga and Noni Mutero, Wairimu and Matu Muriithi, Ian, Rosemary and Jessica Lubembe, Ethan Kiragu Nyamu, Sadiq Keita, Matthew Kiragu Nyamu, Clarence Kiragu Nyamu and Abigael and Jeremy Ocholi.
Members of the GTL Board of Directors have given donations through GTL to help cover the family’s funeral expenses. We are very sorry for the family’s loss.
