Issuu

Ruth was born in 1957 in Nyasore village, Nyasore Sub-county, Nyamira County. She was the third child of eight children born to Ratemo Gechuchu and Alice Mongina. Her siblings are Askah, Nyakundi, Nyambati, Ogeto, Nyabuti, Masioge, and Margaret. Initiation In 1967, Ruth underwent the Abagusii rite of passage. Education She started her primary education at Kegogi Primary School in 1963 and completed her CPE certificate in 1969. Later, she pursued a course in professional tailoring up to grade 3. Marriage and Family In 1980, she married the late Okongo Basweti, and they were blessed with thirteen children, namely Douglas Ratemo, Alice Brenda Mong’ina, Nicodemus, Manyura, Matundura (late), Museveni, Okongo, Muge, Moraa, Sereti, Nyabuto, Kijana, and Kiyondi. They were also blessed with grandchildren, including Catherine Ratemo, Vincent Ratemo, Janelle Klein Moraa, and great-granddaughter, baby Lancer Moraa. Ruth was a co-wife to Clemensia Nyaboke Basweti. Occupation From 1978 until her retirement in 2016, Ruth worked as a support staff member at MTC Kisii branch. Christianity Ruth was a member of the SDA Church, Kisii Central. Sickness and Demise In June 2022, Ruth began to feel unwell and was rushed to KTRH. She was later referred to Eldoret for further treatment and was diagnosed with cancer at Chandaria Cancer Centre - Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital on June 3rd. She was readmitted to Oasis Hospital on January 30th, 2023, where she passed away on February 6th, 2023. Acknowledgements Ruth was privileged to help her extended family members, Esther Moige and Catherine Masioge, in pursuing their studies to further their education and housing them as her own daughters. She participated in many activities for her family and the society in general. Tribute: Esther Moige It pains me that I am not there physically to see you off to your final resting place, but all this is God’s plan, and it’s for a good cause. I could have written many things, but I will pen this down. Among all the moments I had with you, one that will always remain in my heart is the moment I visited you in the hospital (Chandaria Centre) Eldoret. You had been asleep for close to three days, but the moment you heard my voice, you lit up, and suddenly you had energy to sit up and talk. You spoke continuously for an entire hour, and you poured your heart out. That told me that there was a special connection between the two of us. I still remember each word as if it were yesterday. You gave me a tough task, but I promise through prayers I will manage the assignment. Sleep well mama; you shall be dearly missed. Tribute: Daughter Alice Brenda Mong’ina You were a precious gift from God. You possessed so much beauty, grace, love, and patience. You touched my heart in so many ways, even in the darkest days. Your strength and smile made me realize I had an angel beside me. You have left me with cherished memories which I will always cherish. Thank you, Mum, for living well. Lala Salama.