Family celebrates mother who turned 120 years old

• Wakabari, the widow of the late ACK Lay Leader Leonard Kamwangi, was joined by family members, neighbours and church members at her home to mark the milestone.

A family in Kathanji village, Ithare, Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, has celebrated their mother, Janet Wakabari, after she turned 120 years old.

Wakabari, the widow of the late ACK Lay Leader Leonard Kamwangi, was joined by family members, neighbours and church members at her home to mark the milestone.

Her second-born son, 82-year-old Danson Muchira, said the family now has seven surviving children—five sons and two daughters.

Muchira said their first-born brother, Ephantus Njue, died in 2010 at the age of 78.

“Our first-born brother Ephantus Njue passed away in 2010 at 78 years. If he were alive today, he would be 92 years old. We are now seven children alive,” Muchira said.

He said their father, who was a lay leader at the Kabare ACK Mission, died in 2008, leaving the family to care for their mother.

“My mum is always happy and we are happy to see her alive. She likes us to live in harmony,” Muchira said.

Her children described Wakabari as a forgiving woman who does not hold grudges.

Her youngest son, 60-year-old Ibrahim Mithamo, said the family was raised on Christian values through Kabare ACK Church.

“She has been living well. Her only challenge has been a stomach complication which we have been managing,” Mithamo said.

Florence Wanjiru, the third-born child, said having their mother alive at her age was a blessing.

Wakabari’s daughter-in-law, 75-year-old Purity Muthoni, said she had been part of the family for more than 55 years.

Wakabari said her faith in God remains important to her and that she enjoys a variety of foods, particularly meat.

“Today I ate arrowroots and I don't like food which is not sweet,” she said.

Neighbours and members of Kabare ACK Parish also joined the family in celebrating Wakabari, describing her as a link to several generations of Gichugu’s history.

Family members attributed her longevity to her faith, hard work on the farm, traditional foods and a peaceful approach to life.

They called on families to value and support elderly relatives, saying caring for older people is a responsibility that should be shared and cherished.