Kirinyaga: Emotions Run High as Family Buries Daughter on Her Birthday, Cuts Cake in Her Memory

• Joyce Njeri from Kirinyaga county died on July 30, leaving her family heartbroken and devastated
• Speaking to TUKO.co.ke Njeri’s sister Eunice Wakio explained why they decided to bury her on her birthday and also cut cake
• She emotionally shared that her late sister had a bright future ahead and had graduated in November 2024

A family in Kirinyaga county is mourning the loss of their 26-year-old daughter, Joyce Njeri, who died after a two-year battle with cancer.

Njeri was buried in an emotional ceremony during which the family cut a cake to celebrate her birthday as well.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, her sister Eunice Wakio said she had planned to celebrate the birthday in the hospital, where Njeri was admitted.

“I knew her birthday was coming up. She was a fighter, and I wanted to appreciate her and surprise her with a birthday cake in hospital, but she died before we could do that. She was turning 27,” the emotional Wakio stated.

Read also

Jane Omusula: Influencer mourns nurse who died in Mwihoko crash as her last post emerges

Why did Kirinyaga family cut cake at daughter’s burial?

The heartbroken sister said she was at school when she was told Njeri had passed away.

“I am a teacher and was in school that fateful Wednesday. I was crushed and told our mum that we should bury her on the same day she was born, which was a week after her death,” she shared.

In photos and a video seen by TUKO.co.ke, Njeri’s family sang her a happy birthday song with sad faces and tears.

They shared the cake among mourners to honour a young woman who had a bright future but was taken too soon.

Wakio noted that her sister was full of life despite battling cancer and had even graduated in November 2024.

She explained that Njeri had a cancer of the soft tissues, which originated from her last molar that was growing.

“She was undergoing treatment while pursuing her studies simultaneously. She never let cancer bring her down, but unfortunately, it took her,” noted the grieving sister.

Read also

Nairobi mum shattered as Form 2 daughter dies days after admission: "Alikuwa firstborn"

Njeri was laid to rest shortly afterwards at her village, with family and friends present to say their final goodbyes.

Netizens mourn Joyce Njeri

Social media users shared words of encouragement and condolences to the family of the 26-year-old who battled cancer for two years.

Esther Kabeni:

"The graves are full of unfinished dreams. Heavenly father have mercy."

Juliet Charlie:

"My heart felt condolences to the family and friends."

Sayyid Clinton Studio:

"It's hard to believe she's gone and was laid to rest on her day."

Brian Munene:

"Rest well Njeri."

Why did Molo family combine birthday party and burial?

In similar news, TUKO.co.ke reported that a family in Molo, Nakuru county, combined a funeral with a birthday celebration for their late patriarch, Matindi Marandi.

The elderly man passed away just one week shy of his 107th birthday, and the family chose to celebrate this milestone during his burial.

His son, James Maina, explained that in their culture, dying at over 100 years old is seen as a cause for celebration, not just mourning.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke