Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa joined the family of the late Beatrice Wambui Muturi at PCEA Nairobi West Church on Wednesday, November 11, to pay their last respects.
The leaders attended the memorial service as the family prepared to lay Muturi to rest at their home in Kiganjo, Gatundu South.
Muturi, who died on November 2 at age 90, was a member of the extended family of Kenya’s founding President, Jomo Kenyatta, and a sister of nominated Senator Beth Wambui Mugo.
Beatrice Wambui Muturi was the daughter of James Ngengi Muigai, Jomo Kenyatta’s brother who made history as the first student registered at Alliance High School when the institution opened in 1926.
Her family connections also linked her to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is her first cousin.
A family funeral announcement on November 9 said Muturi was born on January 19, 1936, and died after a long illness.
Wambui’s Marriage and Children
Beatrice Wambui Muturi was married to the late John Muturi Thumi, who died on October 17, 2007.
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The couple had eight children: Peter and Rose Thumi, Prof. Anne Muigai, Andrew and Florence Maina, Nancy Waithira, Daniel Ngengi, Francis and Priscilla Mwangi, Elizabeth Mumbi, and James Muigai.
She was also a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Records from a High Court succession case concerning her husband’s estate identified Beatrice Wambui Muturi as his widow. The proceedings followed his death in 2007.
Beatrice Wambui Muturi Connection to Uhuru Kenyatta and Beth Mugo
Muturi’s connection to the Kenyatta family came through her father, James Muigai, who was Jomo Kenyatta’s brother.
Her sister, Beth Wambui Mugo, is a prominent political figure who served as the Member of Parliament for Dagoretti before joining the Cabinet during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
Mugo served as Minister for Public Health and Sanitation and later became a nominated senator.
Another sibling named in Muturi’s funeral announcement was Hon. Ngengi Muigai, who represented Gatundu in Parliament after Jomo Kenyatta’s death in 1978.
The announcement also listed other siblings, including the late Daniel Ngengi Muigai, the late Eunice Wanjiku, the late Margaret Wanjiu and the late Pauline Njeri.
Her Father’s Historic Place at Alliance High School
Muturi’s father, James Ngengi Muigai, made history as the first student registered at Alliance High School when the institution opened in 1926.
He enrolled under the name James Muigai wa Johnstone, with his brother Jomo Kenyatta listed as his guardian. He was among the school’s pioneer group of 27 African boys.
James’s admission marked the beginning of the institution’s history, which began on March 1, 1926, through the efforts of the Alliance of Protestant churches.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also recalled his uncle’s place in the school’s history during a church service in October 2020, describing him as the first student admitted to Alliance High School.
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James later pursued a career in education, working as a teacher before becoming a school inspector. He also served in the civil service before retiring and venturing into coffee farming in Gatundu.
How James Muigai Supported His Brother Jomo Kenyatta
Beyond his career in education and farming, James maintained a close relationship with his brother Jomo, including supporting him financially after his release from colonial detention.
In an interview, James recalled that he had secured a well-paying government job and accumulated savings by the time Jomo was released.
He said he lent his brother money to buy his first set of suits shortly before he became President.
James also explained that he built his wealth through employment and business rather than relying on his brother’s political position.
He said he took out bank loans to buy coffee farms and repaid them with profits from farming.
His son, Ngengi Muigai, later entered politics and took over the Gatundu parliamentary seat following Jomo Kenyatta’s death in 1978.
James died on July 26, 1995, aged 92.
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