3rd April 1931 – 30th April 2025
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing on to Glory of our beloved family matriarch Pastor Abigail Kageha lndire of Lusaala Hill, Vigina Area, Kidundu Sub-Location,Vihiga County, after a long illness following a fall in her house. She passed on at Avenue Hospital in Kisumu on 30th April 2025.
Pastor Abigail Indire was a true pioneer of education in Kenya. She was the very first African girl to be admitted to a girls’ high school in the country, in February 1948, alongside nine other girls from around Kenya, at the African Girls’ High School (AGHS), which later came to be known as Alliance Girls’ High School. She was given the school admission number 001, and has been affectionately known as ‘Girl Number 1’ or ‘First Girl’ since then. After high school and a teacher training course, she became the very first female African headmistress of a school, beginning in 1953 at Vihiga, and continuing on through several schools in Kenya. She was the first female Deputy Principal of Siriba College in Maseno, in 1962. Abigail was one of the founding African women members of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake after its formation in 1952, among her many other significant achievements. She was a steadfast lifelong Quaker (Friend) Christian, and held several senior positions in the church during her life, including being Presiding Clerk of the United Society of Friends Women (USFW) in Kenya for several years.
She was the fourth daughter and sixth child of the late Stefano Musalia and the late Selina Lumadi Musalia of Kigama Village, North Maragoli Location, Vihiga County.
Loving wife for 70 years of the late Prof. Filemona Fundi lndire; Devoted mother of Bernard Musalia Lavussa, late Jayne Musimbi, Joseph Nabwani, Patricia Liavuli Pondeca (USA), David Mahasi (USA), Nancy Doyi, and Clara M. Indire.
Mother-in-law of Dr. Nifredah Lavusa (Canada), Dr. Joyce Lavussa, Dr. Manuel Pondeca (USA), and Jael Mahasi (USA).
Proud grandmother of Mwabeni Indire and Miriam (Canada), Lumadi Kageha Lavusa (USA), Soulani Lavussa (Canada), Romario Lavussa (Canada), late Shanisola Lavussa,Winnie Kageha Nabwani (Canada), Jeremy Mwenesi (USA), Grace Mahasi Hager (USA), Denise Lumadi Mahasi (USA), Jodi Andia Mahasi (USA), and James Abisa. Great-grandmother of nine.
Much loved sister of the late Matthew Mwenesi, late Elizabeth Vita, late Rebah Onyino, late Migalusia Musalia, late Javan Kihamba, late Rispah Omido, late Ezibeo Doyi Kaiga, late Caleb Kidake, and Erica Keta Kulumba.
Respected sister-in-law of the late Lena Mwenesi, late Absolom Vita, late Joash Onyino, Joyce Kihamba, late Elisha Omido Havi, the late Fanuel Kaiga, Margaret Kidake, late Dr. Bahati Kulumba Mwangala, late Selina Kisia, late Gerishom Ogada, late Dr. Epainitus Kilasi, late Erica Azere, late Margaret Ogodi, late Hudson Malongo, late Solomon Makwana, late Esther Kendi Aliva, late David Misoga, Judith Mboli, George Lamenya, and, others. Beloved aunt, cousin, in-law, friend, colleague and mentor of many all over the world.
Her body will be removed from Avenue Hospital Mortuary to Vigina on Wednesday 14th May 2025, with the funeral service and burial scheduled for Friday 16th May 2025 at her home at Lusaala Hill in Vihiga County.
Anyone wishing to contribute her towards hospital and funeral expenses may send their donation to KCB Paybill: 522533 Account Number: 7911951.
May her soul rest in everlasting peace.
