The Immortals: The Mumma family churned out four PhDs

Mzee Augustine Mumma (top left corner), Dr Connie Mumma (top right), Dr Gereald A. Mumma (bottom left) and Prof Albert Mumma. Photo: Courtesy

Mzee Augustine Mumma Odongo lived a life of relative anonymity in Kisumu County until Pope Francis awarded the 83-year-old the Benemerenti Medal when he was chosen as the new Pontiff in 2013. Coming to Kenya during his first African tour saw Mzee Mumma being thrown into the limelight, again. Little did Kenyans know that Mzee Mumma, the husband of Emma Mumma, sired a brood of high achievers:

Mzee Augustine Mumma Odongo: He was among the founders of Nyabondo Catholic Mission in Nyakach, Kisumu County together with Catholic Fr Leo Bartel. For his ‘service to the Catholic Church’ Pope Francis bestowed him with the Benemerenti Medal. The founder of the Sigoti Complex Centre, an educational and agricultural centre in Nyabondo, Nyando District, was also honoured with the Head of State Commendation by retired President Kibaki for his selfless service to the nation as a teacher, education officer and community development volunteer.