The funeral service of the late Lizzie Wanyoike, founder of the Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS), unfolded in Gatanga, Murang’a County on Tuesday, drawing heartfelt tributes from family members, close associates, and political figures.
Stella Wanjiru Njoroge, Lizzie Wanyoike’s daughter, took center stage during the emotional ceremony to share poignant insights into the final moments of her renowned mother. Lizzie Wanyoike, a figure synonymous with educational excellence due to her establishment of NIBS college, passed away recently, leaving a void in the academic and entrepreneurial community.
Wanjiru, in her moving eulogy, depicted her mother as a paragon of excellence whose influence not only shaped her but also significantly impacted the lives of those around her.
The unexpected passing of Lizzie Wanyoike left many family friends in disbelief, as she had maintained an aura of strength despite battling illness in the days leading up to her demise. Wanjiru remarked that her mother continued to participate in various activities, attend meetings, and engage in events, portraying an image of resilience even during times of physical weakness.
Amidst her battle with the illness, Lizzie Wanyoike sought medical advice from numerous specialists, including visits to India and the USA. Wanjiru expressed the family’s frustration in not receiving a concrete diagnosis during this period, highlighting her mother’s determination to uncover the cause of her ailment.
“Mum visited many doctors during this time of illness and nothing was diagnosed. She spared no expenses and we travelled to different countries including India, and the USA, looking for different specialists and desperately trying to find out what was ailing her,” Wanjiru explained.
“For her, not knowing was worse than knowing, but little did we know.”
“When it was finally established that she had cancer, her first reaction was that she was very angry because she had put all these efforts into trying to figure out what was wrong. We couldn’t understand how the specialists could have missed a disease that is big, so devastating and so evil,” Wanjiru explained.
Undeterred by the grim diagnosis, Lizzie Wanyoike chose to fight ardently against the disease, displaying remarkable strength and resilience throughout her health battle.
Wanjiru also shed light on the significant impact her mother had on her personal and professional life. She revealed a letter written during her university days in the US, showcasing the deep bond they shared even when separated by distance.
“Living apart for over 18 years, our relationship had diminished, but when I moved back to Kenya, we were able to reconnect, and this has been the last 12 years, more so the final two years when she was ailing,” Wanjiru shared.
Highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from her mother, Wanjiru emphasized the importance of taking control of one’s healthcare, challenging the medical space boldly, and placing trust in God as the ultimate healer.
As family, friends, and colleagues bid farewell to Lizzie Wanyoike, her legacy as a pioneering educator and entrepreneur will undoubtedly endure, leaving an indelible mark on the realms of education and business in Kenya.
