Farewell to Mike Muchiri

By Samuel Ngari

Mike Muchiri was found dead in his car near KCB in Chuka town on Monday 29^th September of this week.

Muchiri, 29 years old was in his third year (3.1) pursuing a degree in Applied Computer Science. His cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Muchiri was equally a member of staff at Chuka University, working as a driver for the institution.

 Francis Kamau Njuguna the class representative for Applied Computer Science third years, terms their relationship with mike as both personal and academic. He calls Muchiri a friend as they often worked closely in class and in group discussions which lead to the two growing closer.

“Mike once shared, he had graduated earlier with a diploma in IT from JKUAT (around 2012–2016), and later came back to advance his studies at Chuka University. He was balancing studies with work, which sometimes made it difficult for him to attend classes regularly. Mike had a deep love for technology. He was also an online writer and freelancer. Beyond his academics and career, he was very family-oriented. He loved his wife and his child dearly, something that was clear even from how he spoke about them,” Njuguna quotes.

“What stood out to me most was his will to learn and his humility. Even though he was clearly older than many of us, about five to seven years older than me, he never let pride get in his way. Mike was always open to learning from his groupmates and course mates, even when they were younger, and he respected and valued everyone’s input,” Njuguna further comments on Mike’s charisma among his peers.

Njuguna remembers Mike for his selfless heart and goes ahead to narrate an instance that will live with him in his campus life and the days ahead. 

“Mike was busy person which often led to him missing classes, therefore I would bring him notes, keep him updated on the assignments and share what had happened during lectures. One time I was completely broke, I called him to inform him that my gas imeisha(depleted) and, he was willing to refill it on the condition that I would deliver him notes the next day. That moment stayed with me it showed both his kindness and the way he always found a way to balance responsibilities with care for others,” end quote.

Njuguna advices students and members of the public to avoid speculating anything about the passing of Mike. He shares its prudent for them to give investigators time to determine the cause of death and to also give family and friends a conducive mourning environment.

For now, he chooses to hold onto the memories he had with Mike, the humility, kindness, respect, and love he showed. His hope is that his family, his classmates, and all who knew him to find comfort in those memories, especially in these difficult times.

​Personal Details

Mark Hezron Murimi, also pursuing an undergraduate degree and a third year at Chuka University was the best friend to the late . Murimi who is deeply devasted by Mike’s passing goes ahead to describe both as a friend and a course mate. 

​“Trying to condense his life into few bullet points, feels impossible to me in efforts to fully paint a picture of who Mike was. Mike was unique, incredible, a cherished person and had a dynamic personality. He was an avid sports fan, particularly football. He fancied a good debate about the latest football matches. He was also a pro driver which was tied to his job and he took pride in maintaining his car. More than anything, he valued connection. His real hobby was just spending time with his friends, sharing a laugh, and being a steady presence in our lives,” Murimi quotes.

Mike was a proud son of Tharaka Nithi County, he carried that sense of community and regional pride with him. At 29 years old I can term him, full of life, still young and full of potential. 

​As my closest friend we spent a lot of time together, we were inseparable, supporting each other through the academic stress and personal hurdles of university life. As a friend, Mike was loyal, dependable, and incredibly funny. He was a kind of person one you can rely on, you could call him at 2 AM, and he would eagerly make time for you,” Murimi ends his quote.

​Murimi praises Muchiri for his surprisingly good balance on work, learning and life. He had a great common-sense approach to studying, boldly asking questions in class and was never afraid to speak his mind out.

He had an underlying drive to finish his degree, even while working a full-time job, to him that level of commitment was inspiring

​Concluding Thoughts

Murimi will remember his best friend for his infectious laugh, his commitment to both work and school, his steadfast friendship, and the positive impact he had on everyone in his orbit.  He admits to have lost a brother, and his passing has left a void in his heart and that his memories will linger in his soul.

 Eunice Nyambura also class representative to Mike, described him as a quiet determined soul and a busy man who was always on time for class on time and immediately left afterwards. Nyambura wishes Mike’s family, course mates and friends support on the days ahead.

Truly, third years pursuing Applied Computer Science, the whole Chuka University and the Chuka Community have lost a great man of valor and a techno scientist whose passion and presence will be greatly missed. May the Almighty God offer divine comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. May He be with you at this trying time

MAY THE SOUL OF MR MIKE MUCHIRI REST IN EVERLASTING PEACE