As many were the lives that were touched by the Late Samuel Matheri Njoroge, so were the people who came to mourn him on his last journey, in a service held at ACK St. faith, Ongata Rongai Church on 15th January 2021. Drawn from different parts of the country (and from all walks of life), they came to mourn a man whose life was dedicated to service. For nearly Decades, Njoroge served as the National Coordinator of the Kenya Anglican Men’s Association, (KAMA). This was after having served as KAMA leader in his local church in Rongai. He passed on -on the 9th of January, 2021 at a Nairobi Hospital, leaving behind a widow Rev. Susan Njoroge and 3 Children. Testimony to his life, the words ‘served to the end’ were written on the green KAMA flag that draped his coffin.
The Service was presided over by His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit. Also, in attendance were Bishops Rt. Rev. Gaddiel Lenini (Kajiado) and Rt. Rev. John Okude (Katakwa), Clergy among many other people.
Speaker after speaker, the story of Njoroge’s life was retold to as a man who had compassion for others, gentle and considerate in actions; and dedicated to unifying the men within the Church. Family members led by His wife, mourned a ‘loving father, devoted and committed to the unity of his family.” His Colleagues in the KAMA Fraternity observed “his distinguished service in strengthening the KAMA department in Anglican Churches across the country.”
The Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon Dr. Rosemary Mbogo, spoke on behalf of the Provincial Staff. She celebrated Njoroge’s observance of Church structure and professionalism to ensure ‘harmony in the course of his engagements.’ The KAMA Chairperson, Rt. Rev. John Okude (Katakwa Diocese) eulogized him as a man ‘who dedicated his time and resources to serve the KAMA Department.’ He commended his family for allowing and supporting his service to the Church.
The Archbishop delivered the sermon. He particularly noted Njoroge’s love for family; who together with his wife- who also served in the Children’s department, cherished harmony among families in the church. The primate encouraged family and friends that life ‘is a Gift from God, regardless of the Suffering we may go through.’ This, he explained, required that we made maximum use of the time we had in serving God and society. Relating to the pain of loss, he encouraged that ‘we should not lament as a people without hope.’
As the KAMA flag was rolled off the coffin bearing his remains, KAMA members loudly recited their anthem. Each covering their sorrow with hope and prayer reminisced Njoroge’s life with admiration and reflection: here lies a man who taught us; and walked the way of Faith. As final rites were performed at the graveside, the tens in attendance honored his life of love.
