On Sunday, October 26, Kenyans jam packed St. Stephens Episcopal Church to raise money to defray funeral and burial expenses. The event was quickly put together by the deceased family’s close friends led by Kenyan pastors from all over Massachusetts. Over US $18,000/= was raised at his event, which together with the US $7,000/= that was raised by friends the day after the grisly murder took place, brought the total to over US $25,000/=. More money is expected as donations continue to pour in from other states across the US.

More than ten pastors, led by Rev. Dr. Karimi Mumbui, the current Chairman of the Kenyan Community Churches and Pastor of Ushindi Church in Lowell, USA, were present.  The pastors brought donations from their respective churches located in various cities such as Lynn, Malden, Lowell, Lawrence, Worcester and Springfield. They also found a hitherto elusive platform to foster unity and preach adherence to better social and moral standards among Kenyans in the US.

Among the speakers at the event, was Chairman of Kenya Community Abroad.He hadtraveled all the way from Delaware, where Esther resided before her demise, accompanied by his deputy. “I could not believe the news when I was told that Esther is no more. We had just taken her and her children out for lunch only a few days prior to this tragedy. I had to come all the way up here to grieve with you”, he told the sad audience.

During the function, the victim’s family sat prominently at the front row and many tears were shed as the shocked and bewildered audience stared pitifully at them. Both the victim’s mother and her remaining daughter had witnessed the gruesome murder. Also in attendance were Esther’s two brothers who had just flown in from Kenya. 

Rev. Samuel Kimuhu of the St. Stephens Church in Lowell gave a moving sermon and reiterated the need for pastors to arrange counseling sessions in their churches to help nip marital and personal problems in the bud before they became police matters.

Special prayers of peace, guidance and comfort were delivered by Rev.Githitu of the Anglican Church in Lowell. Rev. Peter Gachathi of St Paul’s Community Church in Lawrence asked the congregation to agree that no more Kenyan blood will be shed due to domestic violence in the US.

There was a loud applause when Mr. Peter Karugu, the Master-of-Ceremony, announced the final figure. A sign that people were eager to help. “You can continue to bring your donations to the family. The doors are open and help is still needed”, Mr. Karugu reminded the audience.

The Wake was held on Tuesday at the Goodrich Funeral Home in Lynn. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday Nov 1, 2007 at the Washington Baptist Church, Lynn, Massachusetts,  at 10 a.m. followed the burial at 1.15 pm.

More Pictures coming soon