Nakuru: Celebrations galore as two sisters reunite after separating 60 years ago

At the home of Veronicah Nyambura, a 79-year-old granny in Ndege Ndimu area of Lanet, Nakuru County, preparations for a homecoming ceremony in honor of their long-lost sister are underway.

It is a momentous occasion and day for two sisters; Veronicah Nyambura and her younger sibling Felister Muthoni, who have been apart for 60 years.

A few minutes before noon on Saturday, the guest of honor arrives; 75-year-old Felister Muthoni accompanied by her family members.

The two sisters cannot contain their joy, as the much-awaited reunion that they dreaded all along is finally happening after they lost touch in 1962.

“Tulikuwa na yeye 1962 hapa Nakuru nikikuja kuolewa na yeye alikuwa anatoka kwa auntie yangu Londiani akirudi reserve kwa Baba. Kuenda reserve, mimi bado sijampata tena…akaenda kwetu na tena akaolewa,” says Veronicah Nyambura.

Felister Muthoni, on her part, says: “Nilikuwa nakaa Tanzania, kurudi Kenya nikatafuta ukulima nikapata pesa nikaona nauli ya kuenda kuona Baba na Mama.”

The 60-year search for her sibling, Veronicah says, had its own challenges, from penning a letter 30 years ago, to embarking on a journey in search of her sister; it was all in vain.

In 2013, their now deceased mother had just one wish; that the two sisters would reunite. That wish has finally come true, nine years late.

“Nilikaa wiki moja nikimtafut…natafuta Felister Muthoni, sikujua jina la bwanake, nikarudi tu,” Veronica says

Felister chimes in: “Siku moja akanitumia barua kijana akachukua barua na nikasomewa yote vizuri.”

The phrase blood is thicker than water rings true for Felister and Veronica. The families did not stop in their quest to find each other; at last, Felister’s son had a breakthrough in July this year.

Barnabas Mwani, Felister’s son, says: “Nikasema sijui auntie yangu au mtu yeyote kwa familia so nikapata alihama mahali alikuwa nikashindwa nitampataje…nikapewa namba na tukawasiliana na auntie.”

Daniel Kamau, Veronica’s son, adds:”Tumejaribu kwa magezeti na hatujawahi fanikiwa na tukaskia kuna cousin yetu ameenda hata Laikipia na akampigia mum na tukafurahi…kwa upande wa mama hatujawahi kuwa na auntie.”

They cite a number of reasons that kept them apart for years; lack of proper communication channels in the 1980s and being married in distant lands.

Felister and Veronica say they have a golden chance to catch up with each other, share meals, celebrate and enjoy being sisters, just as they did before.