Promise of UNLIMITED Possibilities at RC Kitengela’s board installation
Dr. Patrisio Njeru was last Friday installed as the Rotary Club of Kitengela’s President by District Governor Patrick Obath. Dr. Njeru, a trained Microbiologist, Scholar and Entrepreneur was installed alongside advocate Hon. Daniel Kanchori as Vice President, Pastry Chef and Caterer Judy Maruru as Club Secretary and Accountant Daniel Musili as Treasurer.
Other Board members are Hotelier Timothy Kitenge, Engineer James Wakaba, Assistant County Commissioner Abigail Pasiany, Water Engineer Patrick Wanjohi, Construction entrepreneur Margaret Seurei, Governance and Leadership expert Peter Mwaura, Environmentalist Daniel Wanjuki, Water Solutions Specialist Anastasia Muthoni and Events Organizer Bernard Njiru.
As the new board stood spaced apart taking their vows, watched online by fellow Rotarians and friends on the online Zoom platform, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling charcoal grilled mbuzi wafted through behind them. A sign of a celebration, that last year would have been accompanied by blaring festive music and picturesque drapery of decor against the background of fine dining of a crowd of well wishers, was this year replaced by camera screens and audio checks. But despite the new regulations brought about the Covid-19 pandemic, this in no way hampered the mood of the club members. In Kitengela, a town encapsulated by a rich fusion of Kenyan cultures dominated by the indigenous Maasai customs, the installation of the incoming board would have been incomplete without a taste of the succulent delicacy nyamachoma.
Adorned in the event’s signature red and black Maasai scarf draped around the lapels of his black suit, President Njeru lowered his matching facemask to emphasize the importance of teamwork in Rotary. Reminiscing fondly about his upbringing, Njeru recalled the oil welled machine that a group of boy herders in the village became because of their collaborative efforts.
With Kanyaku weaving the best tethering rope, Makuui making the best bows and sharpest arrows and Zaiko entertaining the boys with dance, the team was already off to a good start. This, coupled with the accuracy of Sniper Mulinge’s shot while hunting for an animal to roast, Koigi’s wisdom to settle disagreements and Ole Kabaro’s eloquence to speak on behalf of the team, the young boys managed to feed their cattle, have fun, hunt, eat and return home with their combined herd in good health, and sometimes carrying new young ones in their arms.
Dr. Njeru conveyed to members the importance of taking up roles in Rotary, exercising their core capabilities to serve and using this united strength to open unlimited possibilities for the club. Drawing from the Rotary International 2020/21 theme, Rotary Opens Opportunities, he additionally pledged not to leave any member behind in the pursuit of implementing the club goals.
In agreement was the District Governor (DG) Patrick Obath who presided over the ceremony. As he installed the new president, DG Obath asked members to remember the reason why they joined Rotary. He cautioned members against complacency or being ‘standard members’ who do the bare minimum to remain members. He urged members to participate actively in club affairs in order to find meaning and accomplish more. He further emphasized the importance of giving to the Rotary Foundation, which has been fundamental in many philanthropic projects in our District. In closing Obath, called upon members to find ways to make their clubs more enjoyable and have fun while in service.
The installation ceremony was crowned by the induction of a new member Rtn Catherine Githinji, an Agri-business owner.
Article by: By Caroline Njiru – Rotary Club of Kitengela
