Tribute by Mtumishi Njeru Kathangu*
April 24, 2021

Karin Steffensen, was a warrior among us. She did great things silently and supported the social movement without vetting herself or the organisation and the Embassy she worked for.

She went out of her way to convince them on the importance of an alternative thought in Kenya's political realm. She did it, willingly, lovingly and concerned about our safety and future. For this, I am a witness.

I know many who she held as committed partners in the movement including my friend Gvnr. Kivutha Kibwana and quite a few others in leadership.

She deserves our recognition and honour. Let us keep her in our memories.

Rest in eternal Peace Karin.

*Mtumishi Njeru Kathangu is a former MP for Runyenjes (1997-2002) and detainee during the oppressive Moi-KANU rule. He is the incumbent Secretary General of FORD Asili Political Party. He also runs CREDO, the civil society organization he founded with support from Karin Steffensen and DANIDA in the 1990s.

This is how I remember Karin Stefessen. She worked with the Danish Embassy. In the year 2000, I applied for a scholarship at the Embassy to study for a post graduate diploma in mass communication at the University of Nairobi..

I had nothing ..I had no phone. I would walk from Easleigh to the city center to make applications for jobs or scholarships... I had given my brother's number for me to be reached out.

When Karin got my bundle of application she called my brother and told him to inform me that I should go and see her in her office. I had not applied for admission at UoN as I had no enough application fee (money) A friend by Peter Macharia had given me Kshs 1000 and the application form was selling at Kshs 1,400

When I met Karin on the 9th floor at HFCK building, she asked me whether I had applied for admission at the University of Nairobi..I told her I had a balance of Kshs 400 which I was sure would get ...

She opened her handbag and gave me kshs 500. I rushed out of her office after profusely thanking her straight to the University of Nairobi lest I eat the money since I was hungry and bought the admission form at Kshs 1400 and was left with Kshs 100 .

When I was admitted at the University of Nairobi School of Journalism I got a Kshs 300, 000...It comes in tranches...I left Post Bank and joined KCB . Karin passed on and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and professionalism in her work .

We all may be puzzled by the happenings of this world but for sure nothing puzzles God .


Lawyer and friend, Lempaa