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Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand
PROFESSOR NORAH KHADZINI OLEMBO 10th June, 1941 – 11th March, 2021
ORDER OF SERVICE
NAIROBI BAPTIST CHURCH
CHURCH OF GOD KIMA, BUNYORE
THURSDAY, 18TH MARCH 2021
SATURDAY, 20th MARCH, 2O20
• Arrival and entrance • Processional Hymn: It is well with my soul • Welcome and opening prayer: Pastor Jackie Wangare • First hymn: It is well • First Bible Reading: Romans 8: 38 – 39 Benjamin Ngaira • Eulogy: Lynette Andeyo Plembo • Second Hymn: Blessed Assurance • Second Bible Reading: Thessalonians 4: 13 – 14 Amanda Mukumira Majisu • Third Bible Reading: john 14: 1 - 3 Gloria Olembo • Sermon: Pastor Jackie Wangare • Tributes: • Family • Colleagues • Friends • Offertory Hymn featuring Alison Nyawira • Prayers for the family • Announcements and vote of thanks Nicholas Simani • Recessional Hymn: God be with you till we meet again
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
Entrance Processional hymn Opening prayer Welcome Hymn Bible reading Eulogy Tributes and speeches • Family • Friends • Church Sermon Prayers for the family Offertory Hymns Announcements and vote of thanks Recessional
EULOGY
Norah Khadzini Olembo was the third of eleven children born to the late Benjamin Shitsugane Ngaira and the late Berita Khasoha at Kaimosi Mission Hospital on the 10th of June 1941. She says, a year spent there developed her love for science. Norah’s early childhood was spent at the Mission where her father was the chairman of Friends Church of East Africa. It was a simple life. She and her siblings would wake up at three in the morning to walk four kilometres to the shamba. She was very good at digging and selling her produce-maize and beans--at the market in Mbale. Norah was a hardworking child. She was jolly and generous. And cheeky! When her mother wanted to discipline her for some misdemeanour or another, she would say “No, you’re not going to beat me! I am going to my Koko’s house!”. And so she would run to her grandmother Mwayitsi to avoid punishment. “Musolole” was the name Norah earned for herself due to her love of people. She loved her siblings, cousins and aunts very much; a love that was very much returned for she was the apple of their eye. At a young age Norah was mature and responsible and would watch over all the younger ones. When there was a family wedding, she would lead in the singing of wedding songs sitting on what was then called the African trailer, a wagon pulled by cows. She was introduced to European children’s stories, like Cinderella, because she went to Kaimosi Primary School. Those stories she would share with her younger
siblings and cousins during the holidays. So strong was Norah’s sense of responsibility that while caring for her mother who was admitted to hospital with a broken arm, Norah noticed that there were patients who had no one to care for them and asked her mother for permission to help the other patients. It was no surprise in 1960 that Norah would gain admission and become Head Girl at the first girls’ secondary school to be established in Western Kenya, Butere High School. “For Only the Best” – the school motto - was a fitting description for Norah and her friends like Professor Miriam Were and Lady Justice Effie Owuor, who would later become her sister-inlaw. There was nothing that Norah did not excel at: academics (running, netball, hockey) sports and dancing. So brightly did her star shine that the Friends Church, Kaimosi sponsored her A-level education in the United Kingdom at Mount School in York between 1962 and 1964. She became the school’s hockey team captain and won several championships.
EULOGY MARRIAGE Norah returned to Kenya to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Zoology and Botany at the University of Nairobi. She was also won several campus pageants; beauty and brains personified. It was during this period that she attracted the attentions of a visiting lecturer from Makerere College, Reuben James Olembo. Reuben invited Norah to the casino in Nairobi for dinner to make his intentions clear. She went with her friend Myra Mutsune. Their courtship apparently proceeded after he obliged her request to shave his beard. Both Reuben and Norah came from Christian homes and so their union was welcomed and celebrated. Norah fit well into the Olembo home and became very popular with her many nieces and nephews. She cooked in the kitchen
with her mother-in-law and served everyone regardless of their status. She also worked hard to uplift people by organising self-help groups. Whenever she arrived in the village, everyone wanted to see Reuben’s wife because of her beauty and sunny nature. Their first children, Kenneth Shitsugane and the late Caroline Olembo- Katuramu were born in 1969. They went on to have two more children, Lynnette Andeyo and Lilian Amimo. CAREER Marriage did not stop Norah’s academic and professional ambitions. She obtained
her Master’s degree in Zoology and her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi, along with a post-doctorate degree in Molecular Biology from the Courtauld Institute of Biochemistry, part of the University of London. She had additional certificates in related disciplines from institutions all over the world. She started working at the University of Nairobi as a graduate research assistant while pursuing her master’s degree and eventually taught there for several years as an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and chair of the Biochemistry Department. Insects were one of her many research subjects with colleagues like the late Professor Annalee Mengech along with the role of biotechnology and biodiversity in ensuring food security, alleviating disease and protecting the environment. This led to an assignment as a consultant for the Kenyan Non-Governmental Organizations Committee for the 1995 United Nations End of Decade Women Conference. Norah was seconded from the University to the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 1992 to set up Kenya’s intellectual property offices. She served as the Director of the Kenya Industrial Property Office (KIPO) for ten years. She then served as the Managing Director of Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) between 2002 and 2003.
The thread that runs through her professional service was her commitment to indigenous African science and innovation. This commitment is evident through the numerous boards that she served on and chaired. This includes the Kenya Radiation Board, the African Technology Policy Secretariat, the Pest Control Board, the International Development Research Centre among many others. Her service to Kenya as one of this country’s and indeed continent’s foremost scientists was recognised when she was awarded the Order of Grand Warrior (O.G.W.). During the 2007 general election, Norah tried her hand at elective politics under the banner of Narc-Kenya. Despite her desire to help the most vulnerable people in her home constituency of Bunyore, her run for Member of Parliament was unsuccessful. Norah then founded and was the Executive
EULOGY Director of the African Biotechnology S t a ke h o l d e r ’s F o r u m ( A B S F ) , a biotechnology advocacy group that pushed for biotech solutions to agricultural problems in developing countries. OTHER PASSIONS One of Norah’s favourite places in the world was her greenhouse. She loved gardening. She would talk to her plants and play music for them. Her love affair with flowers started with African violets. Flower lovers who came to buy her blooms introduced her
to orchids and the Orchid Society, where for many years she was the only African member. Her sister, Enid, would help her present her flowers for competitions, many of which she won. Some of you here today were the lucky recipients of her precious cuttings. She would go to the British High Commission on Sundays with her beloved daughter Amimo for high tea to see orchids. Norah also loved photography. To go anywhere with Norah was to be subjected to her camera in your face. Her Lavington home is filled with pictures and albums documenting the ordinary and extraordinary moments in the lives of the people she loved.
Anyone who knew Norah, knows that she was the first on the dancefloor and the last to leave. Any floor was a dance floor to Norah, and any occasion, any beat, was a reason to dance!
FINAL DAYS Norah was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in her mouth in May 2020. This accelerated the progression of the dementia that she was already suffering and compromised her generally robust physical health. On Thursday, March 11, 2021, Norah took her last peaceful breath at home surrounded by her family.
KENNY, LYNNETTE AND LILIAN OLEMBO Mum was a bright star for us. Where Dad was the rock, Mum was the light – shining into every aspect of our lives. School, boyfriends, opinions on everything. “The Universe is unfolding as it should.” She was the waves on the shore in Mombasa, the omelettes in the village at Easter, the candles on the cake for every birthday for each one, come what may. She got on planes just to come and say hi. She loved flowers into glittering paradises, jungles of beauty. She reached into each one and turned everything
into happiness. Unhappiness is not an option. It is a worthless state of being. The Universe is unfolding as it is. Unfold. Unfurl your wings and do what you came to do. Go in the direction you are pointed, full steam, without fear. Fly. Give. Give your love and attention and affection and hopes and dreams. Give to others. Be happy. Be useful. Do your best. The Universe is unfolding as it should. Mum was Star light – and we didn’t know then that mum was an angel. Love. Love everybody.
TRIBUTES MRS. PAMELA MUKASA SISTER A word of thanks and a fond farewell to Norah from myself Pamela, sister to Norah. Also a word of condolence from my husband Thomas and our children Alessandra and Clara. It has been a life-long journey with memories to cherish about the times that I shared as part of Norah’s life. She was a sister as well as another type of Mum and a friend. She was a mentor who was always willing to make suggestions without imposing anything but good. She was an academic powerhouse as a professor in one of the most difficult fields of science. Yet, she was down to earth in her appreciation of life, nature, and progress.
She had her own family but she welcomed many others especially since many were attracted to her talent for resolving issues. I would say that Norah lived a complete and fulfilling life. I do not overlook the difficulties and challenges that Norah faced, particularly later in her life including the sicknesses that caused her trauma. However, the inner shining of the true Norah prevailed and has left as a living, believing memory. She is at rest and at peace. She is honoured and respected and I truly thank you all for being her friend.
MRS FAITH NGAIRA SISTER-IN-LAW Dear Norah, I little knew that morning that God was going to call you home. In life, I loved you dearly. In death I do the same. It broke my heart to lose you. The day God called you home, you left me with precious memories. For me, you gave your best.
Now time has come for you to rest. So rest in peace dear one. And thank you for all you have done for us. I will always keep your love in my heart. I will miss you always. I pray that God has given you the crown you have truly won. Amen
DR SARAH OLEMBO SISTER-IN-LAW Mama, Kukhu, Senje Norah! Mine is to celebrate your life and express my gratitude, love, respect and admiration. Norah had very many beautiful qualities to talk about: the kindness of her heart, the depth of her love- she was just a remarkable woman. As Mulamwa was beautiful, she saw only beauty in others. Our parents were Mama and Papa, our children: Darling, Sweetheart and Love. Her words were never mean or malicious because she was true to herself. We are proud to look at ourselves and find a little piece of Norah in us. She has given out very much love. These lyrics will forever remind me of you: If you give a little more than you take And if you try to fix more than you break If you’re the kind who takes the time To help a stranger in the rain There’s a place for people like you If you stand up for those down on their knees And lend a voice to those who cannot speak If you shine a little light and give sight To the ones who’ve lost their way There’s a place for people like you I’ve heard up there the streets are made of gold And when you get there, there’s a hand to hold I believe when your days down here are through There’s a place up there for people like you (Adapted from People Like You by Gramps Morgan) Norah was a phenomenal woman. Rest in peace, Mulamwa.
MRS CHRISTINE WAKHU SISTER-IN-LAW When a sister-in-law becomes part of a family and she passes on, it hits hard. Since she joined us, Norah cultivated a very personal relationship with each and every one of us and had indeed become a very cherished and important member of the Olembo family. As you all know it is the WORD and faith in God that has made the Olembo family what it is today. Our own father Rev. Habil Ariba Olembo and our mother Rev. Josephine Maina Olembo were firmly rooted in the church. Everything they did was centered on biblical doctrines and they strove tirelessly to ensure that these were inculcated in their children, and their children’s children. Norah became part of our family and immediately embraced our church the Church of God, although she herself had come from the Quaker background. There was no conflict or contradiction in this because what she brought with her only made the light shine even brighter in the family of God. The Church of God and the Friends (Quakers) blended together beautifully and shone internationally. Not long after her marriage to my brother, Reuben, Norah made her first visit to Kisa, where I was married. The visit was extremely memorable and to this day I still recall the gifts that she brought. In those days, we did
not have the modern cooking amenities we enjoy today so I was particularly gratified to note that Norah, had brought me a shiny paraffin cooker with all the accessories that went it. This gift went a long way in making my work in the kitchen much, much easier and as you can imagine this kind gesture marked the beginning of a very long and beautiful relationship. I was instantly and totally taken in by Norah. I was convinced that she sincerely cared and from that moment, became not just a sister-in-law but simply, a wonderful sister to me. There are so many other gestures of her love and kindness that I could talk about but what touched me so much about Norah was the relationship she had with my children. She literally helped me raise my children. The examples of her devotion to my children are countless but there are a number that, to me stand out. For example, since their primary school days, Norah ensured that my sons, Patrick and Jerry travelled with them to the countryside to spend the Christmas holidays with her family. From the stories they had to tell, it was obvious that for Patrick and Jerry, these trips were the highlight of their year. From her well-kept appearance and sophisticated mannerisms to her tasty cuisine, the stories were endless! And yet she was also very down to earth and had time to engage in friendly banter and even participate in some of the games they played. The evening card
games were particularly loved. I was told by the boys that they had on one occasion accompanied Nora and my brother Reuben to Sunset Hotel in Kisumu to ring in the New Year and how Norah’s dancing skills had thoroughly impressed them! Then there were the trips all over western province that Norah accompanied them on. The long road trips and singing of songs in the car as they traversed the countryside. Norah would also ensure that a few days were spent in Ikolomani and the boys became well acquainted with many of their relatives from there. She opened her home and made my children feel welcome whenever they visited. Whenever Jerry and Lumumba (may he rest in peace) went for sporting activities either at Saint Mary’s or Lenana, they would ensure they found their way to Lavington to get dropped off at school. Aunty Nora would allow them pass by a fast-food establishment to buy some food and as they headed back to school, would hand each one of them a crisp twentyshilling note (or two!). In the 70’s and early 80’s would last a schoolboy quite a long time. Although the boys interacted a lot more with Aunty Norah, the girls too were not left behind. They describe how, when they were growing up, they used to walk from Kenya Science Teachers College, where we lived all the way to Lavington to visit their cousins. On those visits, they would of course also bond with Auntie Norah who, they say always referred to them as her children and not nieces or nephews. The girls described her as a beautiful lady, organized and
authentic and happy when they visited and always making sure they felt at home. She would even suggest that they spend the night and go home the next day when they had been sent by mum. They were always so impressed by her love for traditional vegetables, noting that they never ate sukuma or cabbage in Lavington and were instead always served likhubi, mrenda, and so on. They found it so interesting the way she referred to mum as “her husband” each time they met. To them Auntie Norah had this admirable commanding presence Beauty, Brains and Class. There was never a dull moment when Auntie was around. She had an infectious laugh and loved to dance. Middy always talks about aunty Norah’s elegant esikuti moves which to her, remain unrivalled to date. Death has robbed us of a beautiful soul, a thoughtful sister and Aunty who was always there when we needed her. A Sister and an Aunty who always made sure we knew that we came from a family that stood with us no matter what. An Aunty who taught her nieces that they could be anything they dreamed they could be! You shattered glass ceilings so that they could see the horizon and dream bigger. You raised them all up on your shoulders by affording them opportunities that they would not ordinarily have had access to without you.
You ALWAYS took time out of your extremely busy and tight schedule to be there for us. When Patricia was moving away from home, you assured her that her place in the family was solid and that you would always be there to catch her fall...which you did. You were there when they christened her son JR. You came and blessed him and danced the day away with us. YOU were there! You were ALWAYS there. This is why it is with such heavy hearts that we say goodbye to you. Each one of us that you touched will remain your legacy. We will be sure that it is passed down to the generations to come.
wonderful years we were given with you. It is with love that we release you into Heaven’s arms. You have run your race and you have run it with honor, accomplishment, pride, and humility. Take your rest Our tender shield maiden, our sister and our aunty. Our tears roll effortlessly down our cheeks for you, but our hearts are full in knowing that you lived a full life and your transition was peaceful. Within that space and comfort, we humbly accept God’s will and release you back to Him. Soar with the Angels to heaven’s gates and rest in perfect peace in the Lord’s arms until we meet again.
All this time we have owed heaven an unpayable debt for all those beautiful and
Forever you will stay in our hearts.
PROFESSOR JOTHAM OMBISI OLEMBO BROTHER-IN-LAW My sister-in-law, Professor Norah, was a very special member of the Olembo family. Norah was not only a caring wife, and a loving mother to her children but she always opened her heart and home to the wider family. Norah’s home was the place where we were always welcome to plan family events. She was never too busy for us and always received us with her usual charm and hospitality. She even extricated herself from writing her PhD thesis (which required serious concentration) when I once paid a visit, because she felt that it was important for her to welcome me to her home.
Norah kindly received several other children into her fold, for example, Habil, Uduak and Gloria. Her generous spirit and kind acts also meant that whenever social or financial support were required, she was ready with her time, comforting words and resources. My own children and the children of the extended family can testify to the kindness and familial support of Auntie Norah. Everyone in the family will miss her charming demeanour and loving heart, her hearty laughter and constant smile. We pray that God grant her eternal peace as she joins our brother Rueben in heaven. We are sure that her spirit will remain amongst us for a long time.
MRS. ROSALIND CHAKAVA COUSIN I am deeply grieved by the loss of my cousin and dear friend, Professor Norah Olembo. I have known her closely since I was a toddler. She grew up in a Christian home and held her faith to the end. Norah spent her holidays as a young, beautiful girl babysitting us; something my siblings and I treasured. She nurtured us, mentored us all along. Our families remained very close up to her demise. She played a major role in my wedding and continued to mentor me in the early days of my marriage. We lived together in Lavington as neighbours for 36 years. Our children literally lived in each other’s houses. Professor was a friend, mentor and confidant. I shall dearly miss her.
ELIZABETH AMUKUNE SPRINGMAN NIECE To us, the Amukune family, Aunt Norah was another name for Mama. For decades, we do not remember any function in which she did not play a key role. She was there for us whenever we needed her. She cried with us, laughed with us, danced with us and literally shared her life with us until her health began to fail. As someone rightfully said, Aunt Norah was an icon of excellence in every aspect of the word. She wished the best for all, strove to offer the same and dissipated positive energy even in hopeless situations; and never complained. Aunt Norah’s demise came to us as a bitter shock as we remembered the many times that she sacrificed her precious time and resources to lighten our burdens. Her death left many questions in our hearts, but we chose to adhere to the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8 that “it is not for us to know the
times and seasons that the Father has set by His authority.” Nothing takes God by surprise and He never makes a mistake. Paul said that “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). Bitter as it is to us, it is a sweet relief for Aunt Norah to be away from the pain, the frustration, disappointments and sorrows of life. To rest in the everlasting arms of her maker, whom she served diligently through the many lives that she touched. To the Olembo family, may the God of all comfort meet you at every point of your need. May you, by His grace emulate the legacy that Aunt Norah left as a sign of your love for her. Our prayers are with you as you look back to the good times that you shared with your mother.
ANGELA NGAIRA MASAVIRU, DIANA NGAIRA MINDRA, IAN NGAIRA, BEN NGAIRA NIECES AND NEPHEWS We can all remember the warmth of her smile. Our Aunt Norah had a uniquely warming smile that genuinely brought out feelings of love and acceptance in anyone who was privileged to be in her company. In many ways, our lives become the summation of our experiences, and our legacies are defined by the impact we have on the lives of others. Very few people who have walked this earth will touch and bless as many lives as our aunt Norah did. If the impact of a lasting legacy can be measured by the number of lives a person touches, then it is very clear to see that our Aunt Norah will be remembered forever.
Her memory will find a lasting home in the minds and the hearts of all the people whose lives have been blessed by hers. Many of us who cherished our beloved Aunt Norah, are not able to be physically present to celebrate her life. Even so, she still brings us together in mind and in spirit to celebrate her life. Her memory stands as a powerful symbol of the inalienable bonds we share as a family. Our aunt Norah reminds us that love transcends the boundaries created by distance and time, and for this reason she will forever continue to live in our hearts and our souls.
AMANDA MAJISU, CLAIRE MAJISU, ALAN MAJISU, PAUL OWUOR, CHRISTINE OWUOR AND GEORGE OWUOR JUNIOR NIECES AND NEPHEWS We have so many questions Auntie Norah. Where did you find the time to always call us and find out how we were doing? How did you know exactly what to say? Words of praise for when things were going well; encouragement for when they were not. Who told you about all our sports days, graduations, weddings, performances and plays so that you were right there to cheer us on and clap wildly? How did you know that we needed help with school, papers, ideas and exams and research? Why did
you laugh at all our jokes; funny or not? How come you never stopped smiling? How did you know just when we needed to hear your voice? Who sent you to us Auntie? God? Is he holding you now? Are you at rest in his embrace? Who will fill the hole you have left in our lives and hearts Auntie?
GLORIA OLEMBO NIECE When I was 6 years old I used to find a pink Hyundai parked outside our gate in South C. I would always be over the moon because I knew it was auntie who had come to visit bearing gifts. She loved to bring sweets and boxes of chocolates from her work travels. These are the earliest memories of my aunt; a bringer of sweets and chocolates. One of my favourite memories was when as a family we would visit Bunyore for Christmas. We would set up the Christmas tree (very dot-com) and as soon as I went to bed, she would place wrapped gifts under the tree and act just as surprised as I was when I woke up to find them. To be honest, I didn’t know Santa visited Western
Kenya but she managed to convince me that indeed he did. There are many things my aunt taught me over the years but the lessons that shall stay with me forever will be to think of others, to love without limits, to share what I have with those around me and to live in the moment. Auntie, you may have moved on from this physical world but you shall always be in our hearts and our minds where our memories of you shall remain forever. This is not goodbye, but until we meet again. Rest easy.
SHARON, ANDIA AND YOLANDA CHAKAVA NIECES Aunty Nora was our favourite aunty. We are not sure if it was her warm smile whenever she saw us, her love and encouragement for us or the fact that she was so accomplished yet so humble. Aunty Nora made us feel special and loved whenever we visited; Lavington was like our second home. Thank you for being a second Mum to us. We cannot remember ever seeing you angry. Your love for your cousin sisters has kept us close with ours. You really loved to dance, especially during birthdays. You knew all our talents and inspired us with your accomplishments. Rest well with the angels. You will always be in our hearts.
TRUPHENA KHASAKHALA NIECE My dearest auntie Norah, I feel an emptiness deep inside like a part of my world has been pulled out. You always gave me a listening ear during my low moments and encouraged me to move onward when I was giving up. Just hearing you say, “you have done well,” kept me going. I will miss our Sunday lunches of ingokho and likhubi. I will miss your warm hugs and your lovely
smile. You were a great grandmother to my daughter Nicole who always loved coming for our Sunday visits. I am very sure the good angels will receive you well. I will truly miss you but in my heart you always remain. Rest, auntie/mum, rest till we meet again.
MRS MYRA MUTSUNE LIFELONG FRIEND Norah and I have been great friends since 1955, that is 66 years. We met at Kaimosi Girls School (GBS) and were together from Standard 5 to Standard 8. At Kaimosi we talked and played together like children would normally do. She was a very active member of the school and took part in almost all school activities: school choir soloist, choir conductor, prefect and Girl Guide patrol leader. She was an entertainer for the school and the most agile dancer I ever knew. She was also a very efficient Head Girl. She was the best role model I ever had, especially in those early years. We went to different secondary schools but re-joined at the University of Nairobi, which was then called East African University. We were very few girls in the university. In fact in the facility, we were only three African girls - Norah, Alice Barasa and I. We discussed everything from class to friends. We seemed to like and dislike similar things. We were like identical twin sisters.
When Norah met Reuben, I was the one of the first people she confided in. At first, she was not quite sure that this was the right candidate. Fortunately, Reuben invited Norah out and she insisted that I accompany them and that I would help her make up her mind. By then, Reuben was a lecturer at the Makerere College. She insisted on my giving her my candid opinion about Reuben whom I thought passed the test.
Organisation of the wedding then took place and she invited me to be her maid of honour. I will forever cherish that role. By that time, I had joined Makerere for my post graduate work in education. Reuben and I drove all the way from Kampala to Nairobi in his Peugeot 404 for the wedding. My friend decided to use the services of a professional make-up artist on the morning of the wedding. When she came to the house and looked at herself in the mirror she screamed and washed off everything!! All those who knew Norah know that she was an extremely beautiful girl with a wonderful smile. God took a lot of time to create Nora Khadzini and she needed no makeup!
I got married two years later. Before making up my mind to marry Mr Mutsune, I asked him to drive all the way from Kampala where he was working to Nairobi to be vetted by Norah. To me, Norah’s recommendation was very crucial. Our wedding came just after Norah had given birth to her first childrentwins- but she and Reuben drove all the way to Kakamega to ensure that our nuptials succeeded. I don’t remember Norah sitting down for even one minute, she busied herself making sure that the kitchen side and the reception were running well. She was a very reliable friend, my role model, confidant and consultant. She taught me how to think outside of the box. May her soul rest in peace.
MRS HELEN WANJALA “SMALL SISTER” I have fond memories of Prof. Norah Olembo as my big sister and mother at Butere Girls High school. Her warm and vibrant demeanour enabled me to quickly settle into the school routine. At school, Norah was an all- rounder, intelligent, active in sports and a very good singer. She later became the school head girl. One thing that stood out for me was her beautiful voice. In the absence of the piano for the School, Norah led songs and hymns during school gatherings. In her later years we connected closely when the Lavington Church Choir visited her home to sing with her in fellowship. It was an activity that took about half an hour. But little did we know the impact it had made upon
her until the following Sunday. A beaming Norah came to church to testify, how the event ministered greatly her. Since then she never failed to come to church until she was indisposed. She had a special spot where she sat and enjoyed every moment as she danced to the worship songs. On one such occasion she came with members of her family. My prayer is that God will comfort and strengthen the family during this most difficult moment of their lives. Rest, Professor Norah Olembo, in eternal peace.
SIMON BRIAN CLIFFORD BAYLEY BEST ONE Mum, what could I possibly say that has not been said about you by others? You and I had a special bond, a special language no one else could figure out. You always made me feel special as you did with most of the people you met throughout your life. I can still hear you say, “this one is my favourite one, my best one.” I am sure you said that to each of us at some time or another. I will miss seeing your face gleam in the sunlight like a flower turning to the
sun, how you would shake a leg at any hint of music and how you would jump into a conversation with questions even though no one thought you were listening. I will miss you, my precious, my favourite, my best one. Say hi to your friend when you see her. Rest in peace until we meet again.
PROFESSOR MIRIAM K. WERE BUTERE BUDDY Norah Khadzini and I met on the opening day for newcomers for Standard 5 in 1953 at Kaimosi Girls Boarding School, Kaimosi GBS but generally referred to as GIBIES. We, from the villages, were there before lunch and sat under a tree. For lunch we ate what I got to know later in life as an “air burger”! That afternoon, two girls who lived in Kaimosi, joined us, brought by their fathers in cars! These were Mabel Kibisu and Norah.
Surprisingly, Norah and Mabel were friendly with the rest of us even though we tried to avoid them to start with. We were punished together for making noise in class and together we collected firewood in the forest for punishment so our food could be cooked. We struggled together preparing for Kenya African Primary Examination (KAPE) in 1956 and looked forward to joining THE Alliance Girls High School in January 1957.
Imagine these two girls came wearing shoes when coming to Standard 5 and talked to their parents and conversed with each other in English! Norah said, “Thank you, Dad, I will keep in touch” as she waved her father off. These two were the only ones to escape wearing the placard with the words LEARN TO SPEAK ENGLISH BY SPEAKING when our mother tongue languages slipped in!
But our invitation letters sent us to a nonexistent high school in Butere! We were an angry lot that arrived at what became Butere Girls High School. The Headmistress congratulated us, telling us that because many of us had excelled, this made a second high school for Protestant girls in Kenya necessary. There were 9 Luo and 9 Luhya girls. The European headmistress had
been warned to watch out for tribe-based fights. She once rushed into the dormitory when she heard screaming. She found us collapsed on the floor, laughing our hearts out as we made mistakes in learning each other’s language. She turned away with a smile. Our disappointments ended and we focused on studies. Norah handled disappointments so well and this took her far! She went to the UK for her A-levels. She graduated with a BSc followed by Master’s and PhD qualifications. She taught at the University of Nairobi and became the first African professor of Biochemistry! Further, she held many key national positions. She led the nation
on recognizing the importance of having patents when foreigners took a patent for Kenya’s kiondo! She led Kenya on being watchful of genetically modified organisms to ensure they were not harmful to our health or well-being etc! Norah, my dear sister, cancer stole your body but your undying spirit and brilliant work lives on! We salute you in death as we did in life. May your soul rest in eternal peace till we meet.
PROFESSOR SIMEON IMBAMBA CHIROMO COLLEAGUE AND FAMILY FRIEND I have known Norah and Reuben for many years. Reuben was my classmate at Maseno High school. We both taught in the Department of Botany at the Chiromo campus of the University of Nairobi. Norah taught Biochemistry to both Medical and BSc students at Chiromo. Her main research interests were in Enzymology and she could not stop talking about Michaels-Menten kinetics, the Km and Vmax. She was brilliant and an excellent teacher and researcher. Norah was also a great famer. She loved being out in the field doing what she was
so good at. You should have seen her jostling amongst men to deliver her maize at Cereals Board in Kitale. Norah was a loving mother and a good wife to Reuben James. They both gave their children the best education and opportunities locally and abroad. May God rest her soul in eternal peace!
IT IS WELL 1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain: It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul. 2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. 3. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!— My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. 5. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! 6. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.
BLESSED ASSURANCE 1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. Refrain: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. 3. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN 1. God be with you till we meet again, By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you, God be with you till we meet again. Refrain: Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again. 2. God be with you till we meet again, ’Neath His wings securely hide you, Daily manna still provide you, God be with you till we meet again.
3. God be with you till we meet again, When life’s perils thick confound you, Put His arms unfailing round you, God be with you till we meet again. 4. God be with you till we meet again, Keep love’s banner floating o’er you, Smite death’s threat’ning wave before you, God be with you till we meet again.
Flowers in God’s Garden We all are flowers in God’s Garden Each bearing a differing bloom, We are only here for a season And autumn oft cometh too soon.
For every flower has something to give Or it maybe just something to share, it may not be much, but may mean a great deal To someone, sometime, somewhere.
Each of us has the potential To be the loveliest of flowers, To add charm and grace to the Garden The choice quite simply is ours.
Yes, we all have gifts to use as we will And we never should miss any chance, To freely give of the gifts we possess And with love, God’s Garden enhance.
We may bring some joy to a life that is sad Just through a word that is spoken We may bring some peace to a troubled mind Or hope to a heart that is broken.
For much may stem from the life that we live Which now we’re not able to see, But the good seeds we sow, are the flowers that will grow And bloom in Eternity.
John Osborne