Margaret Wanjiku Wambura

Birth and Early Life

The late Margaret Wanjiku Wambura was born on 28th November 1950 in Rau, Murang’a County. She was the firstborn of the late Wambura Mengere. Her siblings were Esther Mwangi, the late Hannah Njeri, and Florence Kenyatta.

From an early age, Margaret was known for her obedience, strength of character, and sense of responsibility. As the eldest child, she naturally became a role model to her younger sisters and to many other children around her.

Following the passing of her mother, Margaret’s maternal grandmother lovingly stepped in to fulfill the role of a mother. Margaret greatly adored her grandmother, whose guidance and care helped shape the woman she would become.

Together with her sisters, Margaret was raised with strong values of discipline, obedience, diligence, and hard work. These qualities remained evident throughout her life and became part of the strength for which she was known.

Education

Margaret developed a strong desire for education from an early age. She began her schooling in her home village in Rao, Murang’a.

After performing very well in her KEPA examinations in 1966, she earned a place at the then prestigious Kahuhia Girls Secondary School in Murang’a, where she completed her final examinations in 1969.

Her desire to learn did not end there. Margaret later joined Pimman College, where she pursued a course in secretarial studies.

Throughout her life, she continued to value education and personal development. She later attained a Higher Diploma in Counselling Psychology from NIST and a Higher Diploma in Theology from NIBS, Nairobi.

Her educational journey reflected one of the defining qualities of her life: a determination to keep learning, growing and equipping herself to serve others.

Career and Working Life

Margaret began her professional journey in 1974, working as a secretary in the education offices in Kiambu County.

She later joined the then Nairobi City Council, where she worked as an Engineer Secretary until her retirement in the mid-1980s.

Following her retirement, Margaret ventured into business alongside her longtime friend, Mrs. Winnie Wainaina. Together, they engaged in various business activities, including ventures in Gikomba. She remained active in business for many years before eventually stepping away from active business life.

Margaret was hardworking, disciplined and committed in whatever responsibility she undertook. In her later years, she increasingly dedicated her time and energy to serving God and the church.

Christian Life and Service

Margaret’s Christian faith was at the heart of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and devoted herself to serving God and His people.

She joined the church at a tender age and was baptised in 1965 at ACK, Gathuki-ini, Murang’a.

In 1999, she joined Redeemed Gospel Church, Huruma, Nairobi, where she worshipped and served faithfully until her passing. She served under the leadership of Archbishop Gitonga and his wife, Rev. Josephine Gitonga.

Margaret served the church as a deaconess, carrying out her responsibilities faithfully and diligently. She was sociable and maintained warm relationships with fellow church members.

For Margaret, church was more than a place of worship. It was a place of service, fellowship and purpose. Even after leaving active employment and business, she continued dedicating a significant part of her life to serving others through the church.

Family Life

Margaret was blessed with a son, Daniel Mwangi.

While living in Ngara, she embraced motherhood and later settled at Juja Road Estate, which became her home from the early 1980s until her passing.

Family held a special place in Margaret’s heart. She particularly treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren at her Juja Road home after leaving active employment.

To her family, however, Margaret was much more than a mother and grandmother. She became a pillar of the Wambura family.

Having experienced the loss of her own mother, Margaret understood the importance of nurturing and guiding others. She extended that motherly love to her younger sisters and played a significant role in their lives. She became their mentor, source of guidance and a constant advocate for family unity and togetherness.

Her family remembers her as a woman who taught them love, perseverance, generosity and the importance of sharing. She encouraged them to remain united and provided the kind of motherly guidance and direction that left a lasting impression on their lives.

She was a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, mentor and friend to many.

Illness and Final Journey

Margaret remained resilient even when her health began to decline.

She had been unwell for some time and attended regular cardiac clinic check-ups at Kenyatta Hospital after being diagnosed with a heart condition. True to the disciplined woman she had always been, Margaret faithfully followed her treatment and initially responded well.

In January 2018, she developed further health complications and was admitted to Juja Road Hospital, where she received treatment before being discharged.

Her health deteriorated again in March. On 24th March 2018, Margaret was admitted to Guru Nanak Hospital, where she was diagnosed with kidney failure. She was subsequently transferred to Kenyatta Hospital for dialysis.

Her condition later worsened, and she slipped into a coma before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 4th April 2018, Margaret’s earthly journey came to an end as she went to be with the Lord.

She was 68 years old.

Margaret left behind one child and two grandchildren, together with her sisters, extended family, church family, friends and the many people whose lives she had touched.

Her Legacy

Margaret’s life was defined not merely by the years she lived, but by what she gave to others during those years.

She was a strong and hardworking woman, a lifelong learner, a devoted Christian, a loving mother and grandmother, a caring sister and a dependable pillar of her family.

To her sisters, she filled a space that went beyond sisterhood. She nurtured them, guided them and, in many ways, carried forward the role of their late mother. To her church, she was a faithful servant. To her family, she was a source of strength, wisdom and unity.

The memories she created, the lessons she taught and the love she shared remain with those she left behind.

Though her absence brings sadness, her family takes comfort in remembering the happy moments they shared and the remarkable life she lived.

As her sisters beautifully expressed, Margaret was God’s gift to the family, planted in their lives to make a lasting impact.

Her work on earth is complete, but her legacy lives on in the lives of those she loved, nurtured, mentored and served.

“She has fought a good fight, she has finished the race and kept the faith.”

May the name of the Lord be glorified.

May Margaret Wanjiku Wambura rest in eternal peace. Amen.