Obituaries

In Loving Memory of James Mosiori Omaanya (1946 – 2026)

It is with deep sorrow but immense gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of James Mosiori Omaanya, a cherished family patriarch, community pillar, and dedicated servant of God, who went to be with the Lord on May 17, 2026.

Early Life and Education

James was born on November 23, 1946, in Nyamagwa SDA Boguche, Mweichuni village, Ibeno location, Kisii County, Kenya. He was the beloved firstborn son of the late Elizaphan Omaanya Nyaundi and the late Pauline Kemuma. He grew up alongside a large, loving family of siblings before moving to Nairobi, where he completed his secondary education and briefly worked for the post office.

Seeking further opportunities, James became one of the pioneering Kenyan students to move to Minnesota, USA, for higher education in 1974. He worked diligently to self-fund his studies, earning an Associate Degree from Minneapolis Community and Technical College (1976), a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration (1978), and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Mankato State University (1985).

A Lifelong Legacy of Service and Work

James spent several decades building a life and career in the United States, working for major organizations including Liberty Carton, Prudential Insurance, Wells Fargo, Boston Scientific, and Smith Medical, before retiring in 2016. Driven by a deep love for his community, James was a foundational member and elder of the Kenyan Community Seventh Day Adventist Church in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, when it opened in 1998.

Known as an incredibly generous man, James’s home in the US was a safe haven for many. He dedicated his life to lifting others out of poverty, sponsoring numerous family members and newcomers from Africa, providing accommodation, tuition support, and mentorship to help them establish their own lives.

Family and Final Return

In 1984, James met the love of his life, Kadia Mosiori. They were united in holy matrimony in December 1987 and blessed with two wonderful daughters, Sifa Kemunto and Daima. He was also a proud father to his eldest son, Gilbert Mosiori, and daughter, Beatrice Jebet.

Following a courageous battle with follicular thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2020, James transitioned to palliative care and made the profound decision to permanently return home to his roots in Kisii, Kenya, in September 2025 to spend his final months surrounded by family, peace, and the landscape he loved.

James leaves behind his loving wife Kadia, his children, grandchildren, siblings, and an expansive network of relatives, friends, and congregants across Kenya and the diaspora who will forever look to his life as an example of selflessness, resilience, and faith.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7 (Nimevipiga vita vilivyo vizuri, mwendo nimeumaliza, Imani nimeilinda)

Burial Programme & Layout Reference

• Mortuary & Procession: Body rested at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary before a procession to his Nyamagwa residence.
• Final Resting Place: Graveside procession and interment held at his home village in Nyamagwa, Kisii County.