Viral Ongata Rongai Landlady Celebrates Daughter’s UK Graduation: “We Were Homeless"
- Martha Wanjiru, an Ongata Rongai landlady known for waiving rent for tenants, is celebrating her daughter Grace Njeri’s graduation from a UK university
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Wanjiru, who once lived on the streets with her daughter, recalled the emotional moment she watched Njeri walk across the stage
- She recounted their remarkable journey, while crediting hard work, sacrifice, and a promise to God for making the achievement possible
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Martha Wanjiru, a landlady from Ongata Rongai famous for waiving rent for tenants, has celebrated her daughter Grace Njeri’s graduation from a UK university.
Source: Facebook
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Wanjiru said she was overcome with emotion, as they had once been homeless.
“On the day of the graduation, I helped her get ready, and seeing her in that gown and how she was smiling, we could not help but burst into tears. When we went to the ceremony, it was held in a grand cathedral, and there were around 2,000 people.
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"When they called Njeri's name, I felt like my heart could burst. After everything, God did it, and she has done it.”
What challenges did Martha Wanjiru overcome?
Wanjiru reflected on their times sleeping on the streets, with no place to call home, while crediting her daughter for keeping her going.
“Those days were not easy because you would see people rushing home, and you had no place to go. It is even more difficult with a child. Knowing I had to be there for her and she was depending on me, gave me the strength to keep fighting. Giving up was not an option.”
Amid her struggles, Wanjiru made a covenant with God.
“I was once kicked out of my home with the few belongings I had. I know the pain, humiliation, and shame that it brings. I told God that if my daughter went to school, giving back would be my tithe.”
How did Martha Wanjiru finance daughter's education?
Source: Facebook
The entrepreneur admitted that putting her daughter through school in the UK was no easy feat, as she did not study under a scholarship.
“I have gone months without buying shoes or clothes, and even slept hungry to provide for her. I have also worked crazy shifts to ensure she has a better future. We bring children into this world, and we have to make the sacrifices.”
Wanjiru credited her loved ones and employees for being part of the village that played a key role in Njeri’s success story.
“I would thank my brother Richard Kuria, as he stood by me when nobody else would. My house manager, now the spa manager, has given me the freedom to come to Germany as she takes care of my businesses. She is an angel sent from heaven.
"To my tenants who pay rent on time, you have helped me pay for Njeri's education. My employees, your hands and hustle have helped me put my daughter through university. Every coin has counted, and I am truly grateful.”
Source: Facebook
Wanjiru recognised the importance of education and called on President William Ruto to ensure it is free.
“Please give all children a fair chance at free education. It's not easy running a government, but some budgets can be cut to fund education, which is a basic need.”
Wanjiru further encouraged those who feel like giving up, saying:
“It's going to get better. You may not see it, but the sacrifices you make will make sense later. God is making a way.”
What hopes does Wanjiru have for herself and her daughter?
“I just want Njeri to live life fully, love freely, and not forget where she is coming from. For me, I just want peace and help whenever I need it. I want to live a simple life.”
Does Martha Wanjiru pay tithe in church?
In other news, Wanjiru revealed she doesn’t pay tithe, choosing instead to support the needy.
She said that modern churches prioritise wealth over service.
Wanjiru, who splits time between Kenya and Germany, believes true giving should uplift lives, not enrich preachers.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
