Obituaries

Celebrating a Well-Lived Life: Mama Luciah Mbera Masese (1920–2026)

It is with deep sorrow yet profound gratitude for a long and beautifully lived life that we announce the sunset of Mama Luciah Mbera Masese, who peacefully passed away on June 4, 2026, at the remarkable age of 106. Mama Luciah was receiving treatment at Tabaka Mission Hospital when she rested at 7:00 AM.

Early Life and Legacy

Born on May 5, 1920, in Bosinange, Nyachenge, Bonyabwanga, Mama Luciah was the beloved fourth daughter of the late Mzee Pius Nyabigo and the late Mama Julia Nkori Nyabigo. She grew up steeped in local heritage, undergoing the Kisii traditional rite of passage into adulthood in 1938, and attending Nyango Primary School between 1930 and 1934.

As a dedicated peasant farmer, she spent her decades nurturing the land—successfully growing maize, millet, cassava, and sugarcane alongside rearing livestock.

Family and Matriarchy

In 1958, she was united in marriage to Zachariah Masesen Onsongo. Together, they built an expansive, loving family. She was a pillar of strength to her children—the late Petero, the late Charles, Nyomenda, Omoga, and Misingo. As a revered matriarch, her legacy lives on through her daughters-in-law, her son, 83 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren, heading a proud family tree of 342 members.

Funeral and Burial Arrangements

Mama Luciah was a devout Catholic believer whose faith guided her entire life. Her final journey was honored with a two-day funeral program managed with utmost care:

• Thursday, June 18, 2026: Family and friends gathered at the Tabaka Mission Mortuary for prayers and a body viewing ceremony before she was escorted home for an overnight vigil.
• Friday, June 19, 2026: A celebratory funeral mass was held at Gesonso Catholic Church, where community leaders, county administration officials, and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) joined the family. Following the sermon, Mama Luciah Mbera Masese was laid to rest at her home.

“Nimevipiga vita vilivyo vizuri, mwendo nimeumaliza, imani nimeilinda.” (2 Timotheo 4:7)

Rest in eternal peace, Mama Luciah. Your faith, hard work, and love remain an enduring blueprint for generations to come.