Esther Wanjiru Karanja

BIRTH

On 21st December 1951, a very significant prophecy was fulfilled. Twin Girls were born in the house of Njeri, daughter of Kanyari and wife to Mzee Mbiyu (Njeri and Mbiyu were the paternal grandparents). A distant blind relative had come and informed our grandmother that her son Ngugi would bear twin girls and that nobody should harm either of them. Ngugi was young and yet to marry so nobody took the message seriously; years later, he married Elitha Njeri Johana. Together, they had 4 children before the twins who were the 5th borns and were born at Gatimu Village when the prophesy was fulfilled. Many years later, when Esther got saved, a prophet bishop confirmed the prophesy.

Before the celebration of their first birthday, Elitha relocated to her parent's home village in Kamandura Village with all her children, the twins grew with love and assured security from their Maternal grandmother and their uncles and aunties.

Esther was a cherished sister to the late Mbiu Ngugi, the late Wanjiru Ngugi, the late John Karanja Ngugi, Teresia Mukami Thairu, Sophia Wambui Kiarie, The late George Mungai, the late Agnes Njoki and Mary Wanjiku Kinyanjui. Esther was a loving sister-in-law to The late Peter Thairu, Dr Peter Kiarie Njoroge, Lucy Wanjiru Mungai and the late Stephen Kinyanjui Kang’ethe, The late Barrack Mondia, the Late Fanuel Oduor, Martine Shem, Hellen Akoth, Ruth Achieng, Karen Akiny and Milka Awino.

SCHOOLING

She started school at Kwa Muigai Primary School in Kamandura and later transferred to Escarpment Primary School, after her Kenya African Preliminary Examination (KAPE) – Esther Joined Lari Secondary School, where she sat for the Kenya Junior Secondary Examination after two years. She proceeded to Consolata Mathari Nursing School in Nyeri for 4 years. Esther then moved to Consolata Nkubu Nursing School and completed two years of her midwifery course.

EMPLOYMENT

Esther started her nursing career at Nazareth Hospital -Limuru and served there for 3 years, on 24th March 1981 she joined the Kenya Posts and Telecommunication Corporation where she served in their staff clinic out of there then HQ at GPO until her retirement on 31st May 2006. Her dedication to duty saw her lead several staff wellness initiatives ranging from Family Planning to HIV and Aids advocacy and training.

FAMILY LIFE

Esther was married to Walter Shem Aloo, they were blessed with four wonderful children – Salome Njeri Aloo-Kibuki, Cathrine Mukami Aloo-Oyando, Barak Al’Mondia and George Karanja Ochieng Aloo. She was a loving mother-in-law to Rufas Kibuki Muhoro, Julius Okoti Oyando, Nita Mugure Mondia and Lynda Wasidia.

Esher was a foster mum to Shem & Winnie Otieno Mondia, Flora and John Hadullo, Billy and Sharon Mondia, Wellington Okoth Mondia and Diana Mondia.

Esther was a cherished grandmother to Wanja Kibuki & Warui Nduati, Francis Muhoro Kibuki, Jasmine Imani Oyando, Zuri Neema Wanjiru Oyando, Toria Wanjiru Mondia and Thayu Aloye Mondia and many more grandchildren who filled her life with so much joy and love.

She was a doting great-grandmother to Njeri Muhoro.

She was a fierce protector of her children, a strict disciplinarian and a fervent prayer warrior who covered every aspect of her children’s lives, however trivial, in prayer. For Esther, family came first, family was everything, and God was at the centre of it.

She taught her children to pray, to love, to laugh and to dance. She taught her grandchildren to be brave, to trust in God and to always go for what they felt in their hearts was right.

CHRISTIAN AND SOCIAL LIFE

Mum was baptized into the Catholic faith at a very early age, and she devoutly kept her faith with zeal, it was upon this foundation that she later accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savour in 1991, joining Chrisco Church and later joining Vintage of Christ Church where she served devoutly until her demise.

Mum was a cherished friend to many, a confidant, counsellor and prayer partner to many.

We have lost a truly extraordinary soul—a mother to many, a pillar of strength, and a beacon of unwavering faith. She prayed tirelessly for each of us, for the church, and for the body of Christ, her devotion never wavering. Her laughter was infectious, her sense of humor unmatched, and she had a rare gift for bringing joy even in the most challenging moments.

Determined, focused, and deeply committed to God’s service, she upheld righteousness with unshakable integrity. We knew her as a woman of grace and wisdom—smart, elegant, and steadfast in her faith, relentless in intercession.

“Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, but her legacy of love, prayer, and laughter will remain forever etched in our hearts”

(Quote from her Pastor And Church)

HEALTH

Esther lived a vibrant life and life and good health. In July 2015, she was diagnosed with cancer which she bravely fought and survived. Apart from the general weakness from the cancer treatment, the late Esther has lived a healthy life.

In February 2025, her health started failing and she was treated as an outpatient at Komarock Modern Hospital on 8th February, followed by additional diagnostic tests the following week, culminating in hospitalization on Tuesday 18th February at Avenue Hospital. She spent the whole day and night on Wednesday surrounded by her family and she was in high spirits.

On Thursday, 20th February, at around 4.45 pm, Esther was called home by her Maker.

Esther was well prepared to meet her maker and had taken time to prepare her close family that her demise was near, and that she was more than ready to answer the trumpet’s call when her Lord bid her home.

We remain are grateful and indebted to the medical team that took care of mum during her final days, led by Dr Daniel Githegi & Dr Nuri (Cardiologists at Aga Khan Hospital) & The Avenue Hospital team.

We are immensely grateful to Esther’s amazing support system, both at the family level, at her Kamulu residence and the church, who have taken great care and showered her with great love.

We accept God’s will concerning our mum and concerning us.

The Lord gave us mum, and He has called her home. May His Name be praised.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, Amen.