Jubilation as granny celebrates 117th birthday in Mathaithi

Mrs Mary Nyawira Wangai greets one of her three-year-old great-grandchildren during her 117th birthday at Mathaithi village in Mathira on August 17, 2013. She recalled how she would take milk to missionaries at Tumutumu in the 1900s. PHOTO/JOSEPH KANYI

What you need to know:

  • Ms Nyawira, who said she was born in 1896, is proud to be a mother of eight children, two of whom have already passed on.
  • According to Enfrey Ndegwa, a Mathaithi PCEA clergyman, Ms Nyawira has always been an active member of the church and an inspiration to many faithful of the church.

There was jubilation as a 117-year-old woman Saturday celebrated her birthday in Mathaithi, Nyeri County.

Mary Nyawira Wangai expressed her joy to have lived long enough to see over 200 great grandchildren.

Ms Nyawira, who said she was born in 1896, is proud to be a mother of eight children, two of whom have already passed on.

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She fondly remembers how she used to supply milk to the missionaries in the early 1900s at Tumutumu in Karatina where her love for Christianity was nurtured.

FAMILY SUPPORT

According to her 64 year-old lastborn child, John Mwendwa, Ms Nyawira has always been a strong pillar of unity in the family and is quite supportive to her children.

“Despite this being a polygamous family, she has been preaching peace and unity to her two other co-wives and step-children,” said Mr Mwendwa.

He further stated that she has always been jovial and quite hardworking even to the extent of helping in the preparation of family meals up to date.

Mr Mwendwa also said that his mother's favourite dish is the traditional mashed mixture of beans, vegetables and bananas.

One of her great-grandchildren Mumbi Wangai said that she hopes to have inherited her great grandmother’s genes, and will emulate her in eating healthily in order to live long.

ACTIVE

Mary Nyawira, another great-grandchild, also stated how her great grandmother used to trek for a long distances from Karatina to Nyeri for barter trade.

She would then come back later to do farming at night in the moon light.

Ms Nyawira also stated that her namesake’s wish is to die while asleep and not out of illness.

According to Enfrey Ndegwa, a Mathaithi PCEA clergyman, Ms Nyawira has always been an active member of the church and an inspiration to many faithful of the church.

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