Veronica Wangari Masai
1931-1921
Story of a Matriarch.
Our mother, grandmother and great grandmother Veronica Wangari Masai was born on 6th September 1931 in Tetu Sub-County Nyeri County.
She was the 3rd born child of the Late Philip Nduhiu and the Late Emily Nyawira. She was sister to the late Ignatius Ndei, the late Alex Gatundu, the late Rose Nyaguthie, the late Paul Wairegi, the late Wallace Githiaga, the late Paul Wairegi, Magdalene Wanjiru Gitonga, Angelica Bidi, and Stanley Gitonga.
She went to Tetu Primary School in 1938 and joined Mugoiri Secondary School in 1944. She later enrolled at the Masai Mission Institute, where she trained in Nursing and Midwifery. Upon completion, she began practising her nursing career in the same institution in 1951.
At the height of the Mau Mau struggle, she was transferred to Machakos in 1953, where she worked at the Machakos General Hospital. As she was working, she met her husband, the Late David Morris Masai, in 1954.
Her stint in the Public Service industry was short-lived as she retired early and ventured into farming and entrepreneurship while taking care of her family.
She set up Tivoli Stores and later Kanga Stores, a general merchandise store that served as an outlet for her farm produce.
Our mother and Nau were blessed with seven children: Cllr. John Masai, the late Maj. Charles Masai, Idah Muthama, Mutune Masai, Martin Masai, Windsor Bahati and Valentine Kioko.
*Mother in law*
She was mother in law to Agnes Masai, Farida Masai, Grace Musili, Nelson Nyamu, Penelope Mutune, Ascar Ndei, Bahati Mutua and Dr. Henry Kioko
She was grandmother to Mbeti and The Late Enoch Musembi, Laureen Masai, David Masai, Masai Mutune, Wangari Mutune, Musyoka Musili, Maina Gacheche, Nyamu Muthama and Karimi, Mumbe and Eric Ndirangu Museveni and Yvonne, Sauli Bahati, Malasi Ndei, Tiffany Ndei, Steffany Ndei, Roy and Sally Kiema.
David Masai, Philip & Carol Kioko and Winnie Mutisya.
*Great-grandchildren*
She was the great grandmother to Kylee Musembi, Ilaa Nyamu, Yakira Museveni, Zion Museveni, Hozana Kioko, Joseph Kioko and Kwame Kiema.
*Noble Woman*
Mamy was indeed the noblewoman depicted in Proverbs Chapter 31. Her home and farm had plenty of food and fruits for everyone who visited. A hard worker, Susu was driven by her resilient spirit. She was a dedicated and loving mother to her children, instilling discipline and emphasized the need for togetherness in the family. She loved our father and cared for him till his last days.
Mamy invested well for her old age and always had something from her farm to sell. Mamy remained active and independent, driving her self at a very old age, yet remained beautiful and natural.
*Christian Life*
A dedicated member of the African Inland Church, Mamy was a staunch Christian. She was among the founder members of AIC Bomani and later moved to open AIC Mukalala. At Mukalala, she was part of the Women Local Church Council (WLCC) and the church development committee.
A natural philanthropist, Mamy contributed financially and in-kind to build AIC Mukalala and even mobilized her family to contribute during the fundraising. Until her demise, Susu was dedicated to her faith as she continued to offer tithes and offering.
She loved God's word, prayer and worship, and she would often call pastors to host prayers in her house.
*Health and Demise*
The matriarch enjoyed good health over the course of her life. She overcame hypertension diagnosed in 1962 and would routinely visit doctors for treatment. She was never admitted to hospital during her lifetime for illness until 30th March 2021, when she fell ill. She went to be with the Lord on 8th April 2021 in the presence of close family members.
*"You fought the good fight, finished the race remaining faithful to the end, now the prize awaits you, the crown of righteousness kept for you by the LORD Jesus Christ. Amen"*
