Ex-Mukumu Girls Principal Sis Rita to be laid to rest on Tuesday

Long serving Mukumu Girls’ Principal Sister Rita Shisala Itebete. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Former Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls’ High School Principal Sister Rita Shisala Itebete will be laid to rest Tuesday at the Mukumu convent cemetery in Shinyalu constituency, Kakamega county. 

The body of the celebrated principal who served between 1978 to 2004 was on Monday removed from Mukumu Mission Hospital for a requiem mass at the Sisters of Mary Kakamega St Augustine Chapel.  

Hundreds of Mukumu Girls High School alumni gathered at the chapel to pay their last respects to Sr Rita. They eulogised her as a rare gem in the academic world. 

They said Sr Rita had a unique storytelling technique using her Luhyia heritage during CRE and History lessons which made her classes interesting. 

There has been an outpouring of tributes from former students and parents at the school for the nun who died on March 24, 2024. Some would prefer to call her ‘Mtawa’ nun for Kiswahili. 

“You were a firm but fair teacher, with a heart full of care. Your main goal was to empower us to be respectable women and you undoubtedly achieved it. You weren't just a principal; you were an inspiration. And if you educate a girl you educate a village, then you, Mtawa, have successfully educated numerous villages. Your dedication wasn't just to students, but to uplifting entire communities,” said Agnes Onyisa. 

Linda Akosa said: “Sister Rita you were a blessing to those who interacted with you. You gave us a brain to pick, an ear to listen and pushed us in the right direction. You prepared us to handle ourselves and live in society. I miss the teachings you always had for us during the assembly of Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi... You will surely be missed.” 

Sr Rita was born in Shinyalu constituency 80 years ago to the late Ambrose Itebete and Felistus Muyuka and has taught more than 30,000 students. 

Seven years ago when the Catholic faithful celebrated the Golden and Silver Jubilee of sisters in Mukumu, she was among the four who were feted for 50 years in service. 

The others were Sister Boromeo Nasambu, Sister Anselm Bunyasi and Sister Emenentia Wabuyaga.