Pomp as the world’s oldest pupil is buried

The world’s oldest pupil, Stephen Kimani Maruge, 89, was on Monday buried, 10 days after succumbing to cancer.

Though a cloud of grief briefly hung over Arashi farm in Subukia, Nakuru North District, it was soon dispersed by the legacy left by Mr Maruge, who entered the Guinness World of Records for enrolling in primary school at 84.

“He shall be remembered as an icon of inspiration,” said a eulogy, aptly summing up the feelings of mourners.

And leaders were generous in their praise, with President Kibaki saying he was “the champion of free primary education.”

Maruge came to the limelight in 2003 when he joined Standard One at Eldoret’s Kapkenduiywo Primary School after the new Narc Government introduced free primary schooling.

He immediately became a darling of the media.

Humble life

Maruge always said he returned to school to learn how to read the Bible, write and count.

His move, which captured local and global attention, resulted in an invitation in 2005 to the UN Millennium Development Summit in New York.

Though the post-election violence consigned him to an Eldoret IDP camp, Maruge was moved to Nairobi Cheshire Home in June 2008 and he rejoined Class Seven at Marura Primary School this year.

It was at Cheshire that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital.

On August 14, 2009, he passed away in his sleep.

Three months earlier, he had been baptised as a Catholic.

In sharp contrast to his humble life, Maruge was buried in gleaming casket on a plot donated by a villager.

Speakers gave Maruge’s life — from his Mau Mau days, a stint at a concentration camp to his school days.

Maruge is survived by four children, Daniel Ng’ang’a, James Maruge, Regina Wairimu and Grace Wanjiru and 21 grandchildren.