Lowell, MA
03/18/2008
By AjabuAfrica.com
Pics by H.Maina, AjabuImages

Exactly one week after the tragic death of Sam Githiabii, Kenyans swarmed the Kenyan Community Presbyterian Church (Ushindi) in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA, on Sunday March 23, 2008. The mood was somber as they attended a fund raising event to aid the family with funeral expenses. Sam Githiabii drowned in freezing cold waters of Sudbury River in Weston, Massachusetts, in what many believe to be mysterious circumstances.

In typical Najivunia Kuwa Mkenya (I am Proud to be a Kenyan) style, the attendees forked out $ 31,000 in a matter of one hour! That figure, added to the amount contributed by mourners who attended daily prayers at the late Sam’s brother’s house in Lynn, brought the total contribution to about $ 46,000 (Ksh. 2.9 million).

The show of unity by the Kenyan Community was hailed by many as a shining example to other communities in the USA.  There is great power when people are united for a common goal.

The Kenyans came from all parts of New England, as well as far away states like Delaware and Washington. They arrived promptly and contributed generously. This clearly demonstrated the urgency of the matter and the gravity of the situation. 
 
The Ushindi Church Pastor, Rev. Dr. Karimi Mumbui welcomed everyone and invited Rev. Samuel Kimohu of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Lowell to lead in opening prayers.

This was followed by a short sermon conducted by Rev. Wambua of Bible Harvest Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Rev. Wambua asked Kenyans residing in America to stay focused on improving themselves academically and professionally. He said the Chinese and Indian communities in America are very serious about sticking together as a community and improving themselves individually. “That is why so many Chinese and Indians are succeeding to become doctors and big business owners”, Rev Wambua said. “Kenyans can do the same, or even better. Do not lose the vision. The vision must not be aborted”, he added.

Rev. DrKarimiMumbui, who ministers at the Ushindi Church, in Lowell where Sam used to worship

Rev. Wambua who preached the word of God prior to the fund raising ceremony

He implored Kenyans to live good moral lives and to allow pastors to shepherd them in the right direction according to Holy Scripture. There was laughter amid sorrow when he requested people to be faithful to their spouses even if their better halves were stuck back home in Kenya for lack of visas. “If you left your husband back home and he cannot come, kauka, hapana changanya (stay dry, don’t mix up). If you left your wife, do triple shifts at work. Do not move all over”, He added amidst loud roars of laughter.

The two friends, who rode in the same car with Sam on the fateful night, were over come with grief as they recalled events leading to the time Sam fell in the river and drowned. Mr. George Muigai, who rode on the front passenger seat, did a tremendous job as he narrated his life with Sam.

“Sam was like a brother to me. We lived together in the same room for years until he bought a condo and moved out”, George said amid sobs. “On Sunday afternoon, Sam picked me up so we could attend a friend’s baby shower in Worcester. On our way we passed through Burlington to pick up Ben, then started off towards Worcester, when………” At this point George broke down in tears and sobs. He and Ben, standing at his side, had to be helped to their seats, as they could not take it any more. There was a hushed silence in the room as people empathized with George and Ben.

Distraught Friends:George Muigai, Left, recollects the events of the fateful day that Sam passed away, as he is supported by Ben Gathoni, (middle)m who was also in the car with Sam and a Sam's home town friend, Dickie

The late Sam's family, Left to right: Brother Francis Gitonga and his wife, Sams' son (jojo) Grandmother, Deborah , Jojo's mother, Mazza , Left front, Jojo's nephew and Jojo himself

Also present during the event was the mother of the late Sam’s son, Mazza, the son Jojo, and Jojo’s grandmother Deborah. They sat in quiet grief and disbelief. Sam’s sister Cecilia, brother Francis Gitonga and their entire family in the U.S. attended the function too.

George’s anguish seemed to have touched the Kenyans. Led by representatives from various churches in Massachusetts and Sam’s friends, the attendees dug deep into their pockets and gave from the bottom of their hearts. About an hour later, there was wild jubilation when officials announced a total contribution of $ 31,000.

Many people who talked to AjabuAfrica.com expressed their pride to be Kenyan and for seeing what they can do for a compatriot in need. “I am indeed proud to be Kenyan”, said Ms. Muthoni Gatua, a secretary to the fund raising committee. “It was so nice to see people give from their hearts”, added Ambrose Ndururi, who lost a sister in the US Army on her way to Iraq last year.

AjabuAfrica .com later learned from reliable family sources that the late Sam Githiabii will be laid to rest here in the USA. Funeral Service will be held tomorrow , Wednesday, 25 th March, 2008 In Andover Mass.
More Pictures Coming soon!