Joy as granny celebrates 100 years of great health, grace

By Eric Wainaina

Nairobi, Kenya: While many families were indoors on a chilly Saturday afternoon in Nairobi, a residence at Runda was abuzz with celebrations. Nearly 300 people sat in tents erected in a well-manicured compound and the centre of attention was Julia Muthoni Githenya.

Above the ceremonial seat where Muthoni had calmly taken position was a banner that read: “Happy 100th birthday cucu”.

At the ceremony that had been scripted by Muthoni’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, praise songs rent the air.

After the service, Muthoni assisted by family and friends cut a birthday cake, which was branded with her portrait, flowers and a 100 tag, signifying the years she has lived.

And as is the norm during birthday parties, an almost toothless Julia took a piece of cake before passing it to her children who then shared with other relatives and friends.

As the party continued, her great grandchildren sang a birthday song for her.

Looking at her, one may be led to believe that the centenarian, who was born in April, 1914 (according to her identity card), is in her 80s, thanks to her good memory and health. Muthoni is a strong woman despite her age.

Muthoni who has a good sense of humour cracked jokes which drew laughter as she recounted her old days.

Her voice is still commanding and her memory great that she easily remembers the day she got married to her late husband (who died in 1974) in July 7, 1938 at Nyamachaki village in Nyeri and even the pastor who presided over the ceremony - Pastor Simon Karechu.

As she gives her history, she quotes Bible verses to stress her points and even sings English songs off head.

Staunch Christian

Together with her late husband, they had nine children, five daughters and four sons, the first born now aged 80.

Muthoni, who is a staunch Christian (she is a member of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa Women Guild), has seen her four generations, and according to Gachathi Gitahi, her descendants are now more than 100 and still counting.

“I am very happy and proud to have a granny who has a life experience of a 100 years. Apart from the love, we have learnt much from her. We pray that God will bless us with more years,” Gachathi said.

Asked about the secret behind her longevity, she replies: “I do not know and only God knows. But I believe it is because I depend on Him and anytime I have a problem it’s him I have been calling upon.”

According to Gachathi, Muthoni is still as fit as a fiddle and can to recognise her offspring and their children as well as their family friends.

In fact, during the drawing of the list of visitors to the party, Muthoni who relocated from Nyeri to live in the Runda residence, gave two names of her friends in the village and even their home location.

And apart from occasional common colds, Gachathi said Muthoni is healthy and hardly visits hospital. She often takes a walk.

Struggle for education

During her 94th birthday celebration, Muthoni shot a video which was previewed during the weekend ceremony of her explaining her life.

The ‘plot’ focuses on her walking from home to church accompanied by a friend to whom she narrates her past. At the church, she narrates how she took part in building a number of churches in the village and later picking tea in the farm with fellow women. Her children described her as a dedicated woman who would go out of her way to ensure that her children got the best, especially on education, and taught them good morals.

Muthoni said her life has not been a walk in the park, especially during her childhood.

Her father, she said, did not believe in education and at one time he attempted to kill her sister after learning that she was attending school.

“He took a machete ready to kill her but luckily she escaped. My father wanted us to look after his goats but I wanted to learn and therefore I ran away, started school without his knowledge. Every day after school, I would go home with sweet potato leaves to feed the goats and that is how I got education,” she said.