Mosoni Lemoto Torome, the late granny who died aged 135 years was, on Saturday, July 16, 2022, laid to rest at her Isinya home in Kajiado county.
The granny who was married in 1920 and enjoyed seeing her 7th generation was buried at Nkiito village in a colourful ceremony characterized by lengthy eulogies, photo sessions, prayers and songs to mark celebrations of a woman described as a legend.
She was described as a loving and generous legend who left fond memories beyond her family extending to her neighbours and the large Kajiado.
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Against all odds, where an elderly woman would ordinarily be buried traditionally, Mosoni was instead buried in a church ceremony as per her wish.
Unlike other burials where red ribbons are used to depict mourning a loved one, white ribbons were instead used in vehicles heading to her final resting place as a sign of celebrations.
Besides her last born son aged 67years old, her other 10 children did not have an access to formal education.
The retired primary school teacher Daniel Tutume who read a tribute on behalf of the other children vividly narrated how he managed to go to school with the help of a late chief, cousin and his mother's support.
"My siblings have not gone to school but I was lucky to get formal education because my mother felt that was the best treasurer she could offer me as her last born. Having lost our dad while we were still young, our mother stood the gap to raise us the best she could afford," Daniel Turume narrated.
He said over the years her mother embraced change including accepting Christianity in the 1980s when she became a staunch follower of Africa Inland Church(AIC).
"My mom was not only a hardworking woman but also a disciplinarian. She did not make any compromises and indiscipline easily. She insisted on integrity and virtue to care about others," Daniel explained.
Apart from Daniel popularly referred to as Mwalimu who was her mother's caregiver until her demise, the remaining six children are aged and could barely walk into the podium for a photo session.
One of her daughters aged 115 years had to be walked into the podium and could barely understand the happenings of the day.
Until her demise, Mosoni who was visually impaired had a memory to recognize people with voices and introductions.
"Shosh has not had any health complications and she would feed well until she rested shortly after taking lunch on a fateful day. Our family has lost a great soul that played a key role in uniting us," Joseph Turume, a grandson said.
To commemorate her favourite food (ugali, meat and Coca-Cola), the hundreds of mourners present were treated to a meat feast.
Jubilant neighbours from young to old thronged the burial to witness the historic burial.
