Obituaries

Celebrating the Life of Mwalimu Joseph Ochomba Matini

It is with deep sorrow but acceptance of God’s will that we announce the peaceful passing of Mwalimu Joseph Ochomba Matini, which occurred on 20th May 2026 at the age of 87. A revered veteran educator, community pillar, and devoted family man, Mwalimu leaves behind a profound legacy of leadership, faith, and transforming lives across Kenya.

Early Life and Education

Mwalimu Joseph Ochomba Matini was born on 12th June 1939 to the late Mzee Alfred Ototo Matini and the late Mama Hellen Mogusero. As the eldest of twelve siblings, he learned the values of responsibility and mentorship early, guiding his family with wisdom and integrity.

He attended Gesusu Primary School, sat his Common Entrance Examination (CEE) in 1951, and completed his Kenya Preliminary Examination (KPE) at Nyamache Secondary School in 1961. Driven by a lifelong passion for learning, he trained at Kericho Teachers Training College (TTC) between 1962 and 1966, graduating with his Primary One (P1) Teaching Certificate. He later advanced his academic horizons at Bugema Adventist College in 1968.

A Distinguished Career in Education

Affectionately known to thousands simply as “Mwalimu,” his distinguished teaching career spanned decades of dedicated service. He served as a primary school teacher and headteacher in several prominent institutions, including:

• Metamaywa Primary School
• Mochengo Primary School
• Nyacheki Primary School
• Chibwobi Primary School
• Masabo Primary School
• Kiamirega Primary School
• Chironge Primary School

Mwalimu retired honorably in 1992 as the Head Teacher of Riamoni Primary School. Following his retirement from public service, he successfully transitioned into progressive farming and entrepreneurship, launching the “Malaika Workshop” to provide essential carpentry services to the community.

Marriage, Family, and Faith

Mwalimu Joseph Ochomba Matini was a family patriarch blessed with a large, loving family. He married his first wife, Joyce Moraa, in 1971. He later married his second wife, Hellen Moraa, in 1980, and his third wife, Priscah Nyansiaboka, in 1982. He was a devoted father to 15 children and a proud grandfather to 28 grandchildren.

A steadfast believer, Mwalimu was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) faith in 2012 by Pastor Yobesh Nyagaka Omwoyo. He was a devoted member and leader at the Gekomoni SDA Church, serving in the church’s administration, the Adventist Men’s ministry, and the Gesabakwa Mission Hospital committee. His community leadership also saw him serve as the PTA Chairman of Mobamba High School and Chairman of Mwakemenye Village.

Funeral Arrangements and Order of Events

The final send-off for Mwalimu Joseph Ochomba Matini was conducted with dignity and respect:

• Thursday, 4th June 2026: Departure from the home to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) Morgue, followed by prayers at the morgue chapel. The cortege then left for his family home in Gekomoni Village for body viewing and an overnight vigil.
• Friday, 5th June 2026: The funeral service commenced at 9:00 AM, featuring a sermon, choral tributes, and community acknowledgments. Mwalimu was laid to rest at 2:20 PM at his final resting place in Gekomoni.

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” — Romans 14:8

Rest in perfect peace, Mwalimu.