Maseno MBChB Class of '021

𝘾𝙪𝙞 𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙢 𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙢 𝙚𝙨𝙩, 𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧

From Wandūmbi-Tetū to the World with Greatness!

While reminiscences are good, and memories priceless, there is a sense of vanity when it comes to narrating one's story. Gentlemen of consolidated intellect, as was the mission statement of my alma matter, would prefer that others write their stories, nevertheless, here we are.

James Mūrīithi Nyawīra, as I was named at birth, was born on the Scouts' Founders Day, twenty second day of February, the year of our Lord nineteen ninety five. Not far from Lord Baden Powell's graveside in Nyeri County is Mathari Consolata Hospital, a Catholic Mission, where this last born son was added to the already three children of Phyllis Nyawira.

Growing in Wandūmbi Village of Tetū Division was in no way dramatic. Life was basic, and remarkably peaceful. The land has many rivers, lots of cattle and tea bushes that occupy the residents. Muriithi is a Kikuyu name meaning, Shepherd, and true to that name, most of my most memorable times were spent grazing the few cows my mum owned, often alongside my grandmother. We travelled all the way to the banks of Kagumo River, close to the home of the late Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Environmentalist Wangari Maathai Muta, then MP.

My siblings were way older than myself and had left home, as such, much of my formative years were spent in the company of my mum, the lady whose name I carry in my nametag, and proudly prefer being referred by- Nyawira. Much as she was an empowered single-lady, and dismissaly remunerated civil servant, as a Livestock Production Officer and Veterinarian, I would be lying to say that basic needs were ever in lack, or school fees ever delayed. We conducted the most cordial relationship, never receiving a beating from her whatsoever.

I joined Wandumbi Nursery School, and from the very onset found school interesting, exception being the first day when our first born sister walked me to nursery to face a teacher with a cane. I had to take 2 years in Nursery (most classmates who I scored better than spent one), so as to grow a bit, for one would not have been judged for thinking I lacked adequate growth hormone. At the dawn of the 21st Century, I joined the Cukuru Nene (big school) - Wandumbi Primary School, just a 10 minutes walk from home. It was then that I was nicknamed MD( yes, 20 years ago now), after the then Managing Director of Cooperative Bank and later MP for Subukia, Erustus Kihara Muriithi, an alumnus of that school and namesake. History has it that Dedan Kimathi was a student in the same school that had been established by Church of Scotland Mission in 1924. I sailed fairly easily, speaking extremely broken English and later becoming a bell ringer (time keeper) and top of my class at KCPE. I can vividly recall the few times I was canned, less than 5, and the worset of it was underserved and unfair. Speaks to my vehement opposition to violence in schools.

In a sense, I only aspired to join either Starehe Boys as an elder cousin had before, or Kagumo High School, the best boys school in the academic Nyeri County. I luckily got a place in the latter. Without doubt, I hold Kagz in high regard. We became gentlemen of consolidated intellect there. My diction and articulation greatly improved, I mean improved not perfected, and skills of leadership and responsibility sharpened. I became the time keeper at Form 2, the last one in that First Government School in Kenya, as automated systems would soon take over. I became a CU Chairman, a Wildlife Club Chair and House Captain in the biggest House. I think I did my best to see harassment of junior students become history in that Mighty House called Wambugu. Although I was often among the best in my 4Y class, I was not the cream in the stream. We encouraged ourselves that for Geography and Physics students, only KCSE standardization would vindicate us. True to it, I would end up 2nd in the year in my school, and 10th in Nyeri County. It was extremely exhilarating and rich life.

However, 'kupigwa na butwaa' was seemingly the new slogan as joining School of Medicine was to turn out as 7+ years in hell and back. Actually, before joining Maseno, I had about an year in Strathmore Uni, doing some accounting and getting some dearly needed exposure to life outside Nyeri.

Did I want to become a doctor? Yes, and no. No in the sense that I wanted to be a pilot when I joined Form 1, and I think a theologian at some time (Presbyterian Clergy in my Church wear gown vestments as lawyers that I really admired), and even a President. Shock on me. Later in Secondary, when my performance greatly improved, I thought Medicine was somehow reacheable for the son of 'daktari wa ng'ombe', as they refer my mum in the village. Again, my Ambūi a Mbarī ya Nduīki clan has a long history of Medicine Men, and as such, was in line with the ancestral career, only modernized form.

Couple of my relatives had spent scores of years in Kisumu, and hence the shock of being admitted to Maseno was not as huge. Yet, still, growing up with the horrible Railaphobia in my village(doubtless not all gone,sadly), there was some fear of the unknown. I was wrong. Kisumu is homely and spectacular. Time and space limits adequate allowance to narrate of the risky journey of failures and wins in Med skul. Opportunities and exposures, including learning some Dholuo and making incredible friends. Times in Christian service (perhaps more accurately, making sense of God and Faith), political/philosophical debates, ward rounds in JOORTH, studies and adventure by the Lake Nam Lolwe. Travels to Uganda, Community Health attachments in Vihiga and Nyamira County are just buy a few unforgettable times. Wait a minute, how would I forget the budding printing business that I conducted since year 3, and especially in Clinical years, making logbooks and protocols at a fair price. The sale of stethoscopes and medical equipment offering invaluable lessons on SMEs and their opportunities.

The Baganda have a saying that a good dancer knows when to leave the stage, and I have to climax my memoir, possibly an anticlimax for nothing really dramatic ensues. Yet, it has been a life of growth and wonder, and Muriithi Nyawira, MD, can only look forward to better days of all possibilities in Community, Medicine, Theology, Politics, Philosophy and anything that improves human existence. Always seeking to doing no harm, as Hippocrates would like it!

Que Sera Sera.

Rotation Group V, class of '021

Rotation Group IV, class of '021

Rotation Group 1 class of '021

The chief of Medical Wizardry himself, wearing his usual mien of calm and collectedness, Dr Peter Muturi.

It's Saada lighting up the room!

It's roses time ladies!

Dr Immaculate Opondo, who urged doctors to stay truthful to the values of Medicine.

Super Emcee himself, Erick Masaba

It's Cupcake time!

Dr Abubakar Teuz Omar, and Senior Chief Morgan Wasike, on behalf of and

The grand entrance, led by senoritas Josephine and Sheila.

The lady finalists, having their special moment with Red Roses, a sign of our love and romance to them.

Manager ICEA insurance speaking on the importance of Doctors securing their future.

Dr Chairlady herself delivering goodies to finalists.

The two Professors from Homabay County, Senors Rajesh and Magadi.

The UNIONISTS in solidarity with the unionists 😅

Step after step, dancing to salsa on the background of smooth music.

Dr David Akuom, on behalf of the Alumni.

Daktari Bishop James Muriithi, taking the lead on the official launch of MUSOM Elders Association for all alumni.

Dr Cliff Maranga,ably representing

Dr Mitei, Chairman KMA Kisumu division.

Dr Patrick Marwa, emphasizing on the importance of doctors thinking about investment. He added, on the need for doctors to appreciate and guard their value in practice.

Chairman KMPDU, Dr Abi Mwachi presenting a 5.1Watt JBL home theatre system to the eventual lucky winner, Vera.

The MC, bwana Chairman, in his element!

Saringi Tours and travel presenting a four nights, all expenses paid trip to Diani for two, to the eventual lottery winner, Bramwel!

Dr Kays Muruka, sharing his experience as a doctor from Medical School into internship and his specialist practice.

Dr Dedan Opondo delivering the keynote speech. Sharing his experience drawn from his practice in The Netherlands, South Africa and now here at home, Kenya. So insightful!

Kisumu County Government was well represented by Dr Owili, Deputy Governor.

Steve Olang' - Glenmark Pharmaceuticals