Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa’s moving tribute to Lizzie Wanyoike’s legacy
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa paid tribute to the late educationist Madam Lizzie Wanyoike, describing her as a great friend who believed in the potential of young people.
Speaking at the mass service held at ACK St. Joseph of Arimathea in preparation for her burial, Senator Karungo pledged his support to the Lizzie Wanyoike Foundation as a gesture of gratitude.
During the service, Senator Karungo reminisced about how Madam Lizzie Wanyoike supported him at the beginning of his political journey when he was a lecturer at Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (Nibs).
He recounted how she provided a bus for his campaigns, demonstrating her unwavering belief in his potential.
“Lizzie Wanyoike could see potential in you even when nobody else could see it. When I started my campaigns and I was a lecturer at Nibs college, I asked her to give me a bus to go and do my campaigns with it. I was given a bus but I did not have people to put in the bus, I used my students at that time and I could not even afford T-Shirts at that time, I told all my students to come with red T-Shirts and I launched my campaigns with T-shirts which had different brands.”
Also read: Fare thee well Lizzie Wanyoike: Her funeral program
Senator Karungo expressed his commitment to supporting her foundation, acknowledging the impact of the small loans she had provided to him and others during challenging times.
“I will still be around to support her foundation. Those small loans that she gave us when we were not able to pay back, lets be contributing something to her foundation.”
The late Lizzie Wanyoike’s children—Wanyoike Mburu, Stella Wanjiru, and Eric Kariuki—shared their decision to continue their mother’s vision for the country.
Lizzie, a respected businesswoman and educator, passed away on January 14, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of strategic prowess and philanthropy.
Despite humble beginnings, Lizzie was determined to provide her children with a better life and the best education money could offer.
Her children acknowledged her commitment to ensuring they received a quality education while instilling the importance of staying grounded.
The memorial service was attended by prominent politicians like; Woman rep, Ann Wa Muratha, Sabina Chege, Pastor Bishop Nganga, Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Lucy Wangunjiri.
The final farewell and funeral ceremony are scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2024.