The year was 1969. We lived in Karatina, and at that time Mwaniki was a teacher at 'Pani'. He owed a Parker pen, a rare treasure. Perhaps it had sentimental value too, because it was greatly valued. Absolutely no one was allowed to play around with it, & that's exactly what we (phase 2) loved to do! Well, I got overly adventurous this one time, & actually took the pen to school! Just to show off to my Std.3 friends I guess; no way I would dare use it.

Some time after, the pen was missed. I actually don't remember how long after, because I had completely forgotten about the pen. Wacha itafutwe! Then someone (Ndambiri, Iruku or Muciru) remembered seeing me with it at school & told. I've never been so scared; we feared Mwaniki more than dad & mum combined!

Crying & cowering, Mwaniki took me by the hand & we walked to school. At night! (Well, it was after school and almost dark.) This was even more seriousness than I had thought. Somehow, he got the classroom opened for me; he was that 'powerful'! And there in my desk, I found the precious pen! I was actually surprised, and ever so thankful. Now my tears really flowed; mainly tears of relief, but also from self-pity and from feeling somehow betrayed.

What happened next was such a welcome surprise! Mwaniki took me into town (a treat) and bought for me (another treat) a small packet of our favourite Quality Street sweets (a HUGE treat). I could not wait to get home and show off! You can imagine how gleeful I was (Did I share? Over to you, Iruku or Michael.).

I knew then, that my big bro had a heart of flesh. While he remained tough through my growing up years, I now respected him more than I feared him. And since then, I generally feared people like Daddy Munini less. I started learning to look beyond the 'bark' to really 'see' the person behind it.

Memories...

It is sad that I will not again see u and share alot from u again. Eng. u gave me advices on what to do when I faced handships on roadworks for sure I don't know if i will get someone else to help me the way u did. you are the one who encourenged me to join civil eng. works back in Kitale. may God rest your soul in peace till when we meet again singing in that mighty choir asking "ooh death where is your sting,gravel where is your hold....." amen.                                                                

Family and freinds, lets us take heart he has only rested and he cannot come back we are the one to go where he hasgone.may God help us with strengh to overcome the grief and comfort us.

Edward Karîithi wrote:
The most humble and gentle soul. We were but Children when we met the Makanga Family back in 1979, apparently Ndambîri and Dad were law proffessional friends and the Mbembe and îbuku era was upon us. . When Mwanîki came by he treated everyone like an Equal, imagine, I could not believe the Mwanîki of îthe wa Mwanîki was a grown up, I was but in nursery school. But hey since dad was buddy to his dad, we were buddies. Needless to say, it shocking and really sad to loose Mwanîki.

One of those guys you could always pick from where you left, like nothing ever happened, like you never left. No complaints about 'nîworire', no attachments to money or possessions. He bought when he could and never bothered you to buy when he couldn’t.

Just a friend, who will share listen and advice, and tell you the wagon you were speeding in, was headed for a cliff. The highest praise I can think of is to say, This man was (is) a true son of  Makanga.

so sad, Icant imagine that you are nolonger with us. i will realy feel your absence coz my life was built around you. you inspired me and today am pursuing my undergraduate studies courtesy of you. i first  knew you in Kitale then you brought me to Nakuru. we worked together in MARALAL, ELBURGON ROADS JUST TO NAME.ILOVED U. my condolences to the entire family and the widow MAMA GIDDY. MAY GOD GIVE YOU ETERNAL LIFE.   DENNIS OKAMBO ONGORO.

You know you and your family are in my prayers.  I can't say that I know exactly what you are feeling right now because that was your brother with whom you have special memories and a special relationship.  I know when my brother passed it was a pain greater than I could have ever imagined.  The bonds of siblings tend to be stronger than we often time acknowledge.

I actually expressed in my mind that I didn't think I could smile again, but with the counseling of God's Spirit I not only smiled, but laughed again.  As you go through your personal grief, know that I'm praying for and with you.

My deepest sympathy is extended to you and your family during this time.

Love you my brother,

Davison Virgil (Lawton OK. July 26, 2013)

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May Lord rest his soul in peace and those left behind continue to find comfort in Lord. It is a touching letter too. As you prepare to take him in his final journey, be strong for him and those close ones he has left behind.

Wambere Kibicho (Nairobi Kenya. July 27, 2013)

Thank you for sharing that beautiful open letter with me. Your words truly touched my heart. I felt your joy and your sorrow. You and your family continue to be in my prayers. I am blessed to say that I had an opportunity to meet your family. Thank you for making that happen. If there is anything I can do to help and support the family please let me know. God bless.

Bro. Charles Phillips (the UAE. July 27, 2013)

what a sad day. I am so sorry for your loss.

There are angels that live among us and to measure them and their actions through earthly eyes and standards never works. They just live in a way that puzzle, but in retrospect, when they are gone, we know for sure the wisdom, the courage, the love and the strength they truly possessed. Your Oldest Brother was indeed such an angel who taught those around him with his life and provoked so many feelings in people that observed him and everyone that experienced him is truly richer for it today whether they acknowledge it or not.
May he rest in peace. Strength to you all in the family.

Dudu Msomi (Johannesburg SA. July 26, 2013)

Baba this is so touching and emotional, May his soul rest in peace.
Rest assured Baba u are not alone we feel the pain u and your family is feeling.
An injury to u is an injury to all of us who are closer to ur family.
God never makes the mistake He knows. May God bless u all with strength

Leonard and Fikile (Durban SA. July 26, 2013)

Hi uncle Iruku, I would like to remember uncle Mwaniki in the prayers today. What I remember about him is his kind and gentle spirit. He was a calm and contemplative, deep-thinking person. I have memories of he and aunty Nyakio going back almost 30 yrs from the 1st time that we lived in Kenya in the 80's. So, it is pretty hard to imagine that they are no longer there. But in a way, they will always be there b/c we remember them and the gifts that they brought to us just by being who they were. They are already missed.

Nyambura Njagi (Corpus Christi TX. July 25, 2013)

 Your tribute for "Your Oldest Brother"gave me an insight of your love and how your valued him.I'm also touched and feel for your loss,but you are also fortunate that he left you rich with his wisdom instilled in you.I believe that though he's gone he will forever be with you.Take heart my friend,you shall never be alone.We are with you in spirit. May your"Oldest Brother's spirit rest in peace.

Victor Gaehler (Durban SA. July 26 2013)

My condolences bhuti. I know the pain he went through (its unbearable at times), don't be sad, he is resting. His chapter in this book called LIFE was over. I'm glad you have learnt a lot from him. He is gone but his spirit lives on.
Stay strong!

Lindiwe Symons (Johannesburg SA. July 26, 2013)

Sad as ıt ıs, I pray that you draw strength from the almighty. My sincerest Condolences to you And your family. We Are wıth you ın Prayer .

Thokozani Mchunu (Johannesburg SA. July 26, 2013)

You and your family have my condolences Chief. God bless you.

 Johnny Nimes (Atlanta Ga. July 28, 2013)

My husband and I read your letter and are really touched by it. After offering our condolences, we would like to express how touched we are by your kind words to your oldest brother who continues to shower you all with the finest memories. We can see how strong a bond your family has.
Your words reflect the pure love and respect for your brother. Carry on my friend, celebrate every aspect of his life. Do not be sad for your brother left you with a treasure that not only touches you, but many many others as well.
We are truly touched by your sincere love for your brother. May God grant you, and all of us, the strength to carry on in this life.
sincerely

Dawlat Yassin & Abdul Ghonym (Dallas TX….July 28th 2013)

My condolences,very sorry for the loss.
May God give your family peace of mind during this difficult period
You will be in my prayers

George Ngigi Kinyanjui (Nairobi Kenya….July 29, 2013)