In Loving Memory of
Kwa Kumbukumbu Yake
James Ndumia Mbutu
1940 – 2026
1 January 1940 — 18 April 2026
Mwalimu. Baba. Guka. Husband. Brother. Friend. Teacher. Faithful servant of God.
walimu James Ndumia Mbutu was born on 1 January 1940 in Kiumbi, Ngoru, Nyeri County — the firstborn son of the late Mzee Naftaly Mbutu Irungu and the late Mama Rahab Wanjiru Mbutu. A Kenya still under colonial rule shaped his early years, but the home that raised him prized work, character, and a quiet, steady faith.
He began his schooling at Ihururu Primary in 1948, completed it in 1958, served two years as an Untrained Teacher, and trained at Kamwenja Teachers Training College in 1962. From 1964 — first at Chania Primary in Nyeri, and from 1970 across the schools and villages of Nyandarua — he gave more than four decades to the blackboard and the classroom, leaving a quiet imprint on generations of Kenyan children. Beyond the school gate he served his community through Muki SACCO and the local tribunal.
In 1965 he married the love of his life, the late Ruth Wacuka Ndumia, in the Catholic Church. Together they raised eleven children, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren to follow. He was called home on the early morning of 18 April 2026, after a long illness borne with the dignity by which he had lived.
Mungu amelaza kazi yake — pumzika kwa amani, Baba.
A Life in Years
Maisha kwa Miaka
1940
Born in Kiumbi, Ngoru — Nyeri County.
1948
Begins schooling at Ihururu Primary.
1958
Completes primary school. Two years as an Untrained Teacher.
1962
Joins Kamwenja Teachers Training College, Nyeri.
1964
First teaching post — Chania Primary School, Nyeri.
1965
Marries Ruth Wacuka in the Catholic Church.
1970
Transfers to Nyandarua, where he teaches for decades.
2021
Falls ill in April. A long, dignified road begins.
2026
Goes home to the Lord on the morning of 18 April.
To every relative, friend, neighbour, colleague, and well-wisher who has called, prayed, travelled, or contributed — you have carried this family through this season.
Asanteni sana kwa upendo, maombi, na ukarimu wenu. Mungu awabariki kwa wingi.
Kwa heri, Baba — pumzika kwa amani.
Stand with the family →·Tunashukuru →
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