Obituaries

In Loving Memory of Mama Rebecca Agnes Bosibori Kiriani (Orembe)

With gratitude and total submission to the Almighty God, we announce the peaceful passing of Mama Rebecca Agnes Bosibori Kiriani, fondly known to many as “Orembe.” A matriarch of exceptional grace, wisdom, and resilience, Mama Bosibori passed away peacefully on Saturday, 2nd May, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., surrounded by the love and prayers of her family at Mbagathi Referral Hospital in Nairobi, following a brave battle with leukaemia. She lived a long, blessed, and inspiring life of 102 years.

Birth, Early Life, and Culture

Mama Bosibori was born in 1924 at Riabagaka Village, Gachuba Ward, in Nyamira County to the late Nyakundi and Gekondo. She grew up in a humble, loving, and traditional Kisii family setting, where she embraced values of hard work, respect, and community unity. In 1934, she underwent the traditional Kisii rite of passage, marking her transition into an adulthood defined by strength, perseverance, and devotion.

Marriage, Family, and Matriarchy

In 1946, Mama Bosibori was united in marriage to the late Gideon Okioma. Their union spanned decades and was blessed with a large, loving family.

• Children: She was a devoted mother to the late Yohana, Ogori, Gekondo, Florence, the late Elizabeth, the late Nyaboke, Dorca, Dinah, the late Nyanchama, and Mary.
• Auntie: A beloved aunt to Askah, Misaro, Mogaka, Migosi, Gekondo, the late Sosi, Yobencia, and many others.
• Grandmother & Great-Grandmother: She was blessed with dozens of grandchildren (including Obed, Moraa, the late David, Nyakundi, Nyanchama, Zablon, Nyamosi, Lilian, Andrew, Caroline, the late Abel (Bob), Fred, Omwega, Sheba, Asnath, Mandera, Hempstone) and numerous great-grandchildren (including Divinah, Ashley, Nyaboke, Thaddeus, Junior, Brivian, Britten, Adrian, Miles, Riley, Lewis, Nyamoita).
• Career and Community Impact
• As a dedicated, hardworking farmer, Mama Bosibori spent her life cultivating tea and coffee and keeping livestock. Her tireless efforts not only educated and supported her large family but also inspired her neighbors. Her home was a sanctuary of hospitality, always filled with warmth, joy, and counsel for relatives and visitors alike.
• Christian Devotion and Service
• Mama Bosibori was a prayer warrior, choir member, and faithful mentor. She worshipped deeply at Kiabiraa SDA Church, where she was a cornerstone of spiritual encouragement. Later in life, she transferred her fellowship to Kiamunyi East SDA Church in Nakuru, remaining steadfast and deeply rooted in her faith until her final days.

Rest in Peace, Shosh

Though she has left a space in our hearts, her legacy of faith, hard work, and unconditional love will guide generations to come.

“May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.”