Esther Wanjiru Karuri

Birth and Early Life

Esther Wanjiru was born on January 6, 1952, to Mr. and Mrs. Zakayo in Muchatha, Kiambu. She

was the beloved wife of Joseph Karuri and a devoted mother to Betzy, Dr. Litza, Moses, Judy,

and Joshua. She welcomed her children's spouses, Mike, Anastazia, and Paul, as her own.

A proud grandmother, she cherished Kylah, Jeremya, Joclyn, Janel, Ava, Trent, Jana, Francesca,

Liam, Kevin, Zoey, Jasmine, and Marcus.

She was a sister to the late Agnes Karita & Robert Gicheru. Sister to Moses Kariuki, Peter Mirie,

and Patrick Kanyagia. She was also an aunt, grandmother, and mentor to many.

Esther spent her early years in Muchatha Village until she started school. Later, she moved to

Gathanga Village, where her late sister lived and had started the local primary school.

Education and Career

Esther went to Muongoiya Primary School (elementary school). She later attended Loreto Girls

High School. With an unwavering passion for teaching, she pursued further studies at Highridge

Teachers' College, where she trained to become a respected educator.

Her teaching career took her to Arya Primary School, where she instilled knowledge and values

in young minds. Later, she moved to Riverbank Primary School, where she was known as Ms

Zake and she continued her dedication to education until she relocated to the U.S.

Knowing Jesus & Faith in Action

Esther gave her life to Christ in 1975, and from that moment on, she became an unstoppable

force for the Gospel. She attended Deliverance Church Kariokor, where her faith grew deep roots

and her evangelical fire was ignited.

Her passion for Christ was unshakable—some might say she preached by force! If you knew

Mom, you knew that sitting next to her meant you were about to get a front-row seat to a

powerful gospel message. She wasn’t just a believer—she was a doer: For Esther, faith wasn’t

just something she practiced—it was who she was!

Coming to America & Community Action

Esther’s journey to the United States began in 1982 and 1986, when she attended Bible

conferences. She eventually made the bold decision to relocate in 1987. Her entire family was

reunited with her in the few years thereafter - a true testament to her resilience.

She wore many hats, working tirelessly in Healthcare, Education and Ministry. Her passion was

always in Ministry. She had a heart for preaching and serving others. Besides preaching, at

every opportunity that arose, she found time to do prison ministry, homeless outreach, and

mission work (especially Mexico & Kenya).

She welcomed countless Kenyan visitors over the years, always opening her home to strangers

who soon became family. Her children fondly remember countless trips to the airport and the

frequent surprises of mom sending people to their home—even when she was still in Kenya! Her

heart was big enough for everyone.

Health Challenges & Strength

Esther faced her first major illness in 2000, but through faith and prayer, she was miraculously

healed. Those who witnessed it knew they had seen the hand of God.

In November 2024, she fell ill again, enduring pain, hospital visits, and rehab. She showed

moments of recovery, only to regress again.

Even through these struggles, she remained a tech-savvy, digital mom—always FaceTiming her

children with updates, requests, and, of course, a little humor. The hospital staff knew her

children’s faces well—because she kept them involved in every step! If she missed you she

always left a message “Oya thimo!" (pick up your phone!)

On March 3, 2025, surrounded by her children, the Lord called her home.

She had fought the good fight and finished the race!!

Legacy of Love & Closing Remarks

She lived and loved deeply, leaving behind:

 Cherished memories for her family and friends.

 A legacy of kindness, generosity, and strength.

 Her enormous faith, always reminding us to trust in Jesus.

She did everything Jesus' way—and now, she rests in His arms.

Rest well, Mama Betzy. Till we meet again!