I took too long to write this as I was still coming to terms with everything that has happened.
I remember in 2013's CIFOR annual meeting when we first met in person in Bogor, you came to see me at Santika hotel as you picked some hair products, maize flour, green grams among other goodies that I had brought you from Kenya. The smile, the warm hug, the long conversation we held that evening over dinner, it felt like we had known each other for a long time. I liked you as a person. I didn’t know you would be assigned to lead Nairobi Hub at some point, and you would become my direct supervisor. When this happened, I was amused by your humility – I procured very executive desk and chair for you and you went like “You know what Ruth, I don’t need all these. Get me a small office, a small desk and a simple but comfortable chair”.
You exposed me to field work, it felt good to support science with understanding of what happens on the ground. I remember our last field trips with you early this year in Bungoma, Kitale and Malindi. You let me make all the CIFOR presentations to the participants while you sat, listened to me and took photos. On the road to the airport in Mombasa, I told you how I had grown interest in natural resource management. You encouraged me and said “you know what Ruth; you can actually change your career path if you are interested. You would have such a unique combination to propel you to higher heights. Just imagine, with your background in finance and administration management, then you add natural resource management! Think about it carefully and let me know if you need any kind of support”
Esther, you made me shake hands with prominent people in the government, you believed in me even when I doubted myself. You exposed me, spoke highly about me, gave me challenging tasks, you were tough, but you always found a way to make me comfortable around you. You empowered me and I looked up to you, you were my role model!!
I could tell your moods in the mornings as you arrived in the office. On your happy days, I could hear you singing or whistling Eric Wainaina’s songs from a distance. As you passed my office you would go like: “MWIITU (girl), do you have a moment? Come let’s chat”. I will miss all these☹☹
I visited you at home several times, your smile was the same even in your illness, you looked strong, I even set up a working office in your house, at a corner with a nice view of trees through the window. We talked on phone severally, exchanged text messages but on your last week you decided to go quiet on me☹. My 3 calls went unanswered – they will remain to be missed calls; my text message too will remain unanswered☹. You didn’t prepare me for this, but I am happy because you told me you had received Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. I will see you in the next life when Father will call me home.
I was expecting you to resume work on 1st October. I had so much to discuss with you, so much!!
Esther, may your soul rest in eternal peace!! I will miss you!
To the family:
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (KJV)