Renowned educationists Dr Tom Shavisa, Chief Principal of Senende Boys High School, and his wife, Mrs Rose Shavisa, the Chief Principal of Kaimosi Girls High School, are mourning the death of their beloved mother and mother-in-law, Mama Esther Khamede Shavisa.
Mama Esther passed away at the age of 80 after a short illness. She was admitted to Avenue Hospital in Kisumu, where she later died from cardiac-related complications.
Speaking while paying tribute, Dr Shavisa described his mother as a devoted Christian and a central pillar in his life. He said she committed her life fully to Christ and was the driving force behind his well-being and success.
“I have lost a personal friend, a parent, and my lifelong source of love and guidance. Life will never be the same again,” said Dr Shavisa.
He noted that Mama Esther lived a full life, well cared for by her family. Although she developed heart-related complications in recent years, the family remains grateful to God for granting her a long life of 80 years.
“As a family, we are deeply saddened and pained beyond measure, but we thank the Almighty God for the gift of her life,” he added.
Mrs Rose Shavisa eulogised the late Mama Esther as a loving and exceptional woman who embraced her wholeheartedly as a daughter.
“I joined this family several years ago, and Mama took charge of me as her own. She loved and supported me deeply,” she said.
She recalled that Mama Esther often took full responsibility of the home, especially when they were away on official duties, executing everything with care, warmth, and dedication.
“I will dearly miss her presence in the lives of her grandchildren and all the moments we shared. She was a source of inspiration and guidance to our family. We thank God for the time He allowed us to have with her,” Mrs Shavisa said.
The two Chief Principals are widely respected figures in the education sector, having mentored and impacted many learners and professionals across the region through their long service.
Mama Esther Khamede Shavisa was a long-serving member of the African Church of the Holy Spirit, having joined the church in 1955. At the time of her death, she was serving as the Vice Chairlady of the Women’s League, a position she had held since 2009, based at the Lugala headquarters. Her service to the church spanned an impressive 70 years.
She is survived by two children, Dr Tom Shavisa and Captain Reba Shavisa, an officer of the Salvation Army Church, as well as several grandchildren.
The body of the late Mama Esther is currently preserved at the morgue as burial arrangements continue. She will be laid to rest at her Emulundu home. She passed on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
