It is with much sadness that Brighter Communities Worldwide reflects on the passing of Sophia Muthoni Njehia, a wonderful friend and generous supporter of the Brighter Communities Worldwide community.

Sophia was a woman who lived in Londiani and gave so much of herself, her time, her energy to her family, her neighbours, her church and especially people in need that she quietly supported in her local area.

Sophia bravely battled cancer over the past three years and her journey comes to an end today as her family and the community she loved gather to lay her to rest in Londiani. Over these past years, as Sophia struggled with her health, she did so with fortitude, her strong faith, good humour and unselfishness and always a positive approach. She was an example to all of us. Sophia was a beautiful person, inside and out. She loved life and lived it to the full. She was a selfless woman who gave endlessly to her community. She was involved in St Kizito’s Catholic Church in numerous ways, and was a member of the church choir. She gave generously of her time and energy to those most in need. She loved her family and was proud of all of them. She supported them in all that they did.

Sophia was part of the Brighter Communities Worldwide team. She was a member of Somonaflo – the group of ladies who make bags and jewellery that we sell to fundraise for our programmes. Harambee volunteers will remember Sophia for her catering skills as she cooked for many teams of volunteers over the years and for her kindness, the warmth of her welcome and her gentle humour. She taught many of us how to dance and sing the “Kenyan way”, and loved nothing better than the numerous Kenyan nights we hosted for volunteers. Many of us have enjoyed her singing both at the church and as part of these cultural exchanges with volunteers.

Sophia had a tremendous sense of justice and always stood up for what she believed in. She worked tirelessly for the betterment of others – for example: mothers through her contribution to the maternal health shelter in Londiani Sub County hospital; enabling girls to remain in school through her contribution to menstrual hygiene management, and improving health in her community through becoming a qualified Remote Emergency Care First Aider.

Sophia is survived by her husband Geoffrey Njehia, her children Elizabeth, Stella, Timothy, Loise and Linet, her mother Rahab and her grand children. We would like to express our sincere sympathy to Sophia’s family at this difficult time. We acknowledge with much gratitude the time and support that she gave to our organisation. We remember Sophia as the tall, elegant, quietly reserved lady that she was – wise, kind and strong with the warmest smile and engaging ways.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam: (May she rest in peace).