Renowned journalist Jeff Koinange recently shared an emotional video detailing his family’s deep-rooted history. In the video, he converses with his mother, Hilda Wambui Ngoima, at their family home in Kiambaa, shedding light on the challenges they faced, especially after the passing of his father.
The Koinange family has a long history that dates back to the 1860s. Jeff’s mother, Hilda, grew up in Githiga before marrying into the Koinange family in 1959. She and her husband, Frederick Mbiyu Koinange, had four children before he passed away soon after Kenya gained independence. Jeff recounted that his father died on March 7, 1966, when he was only two months old. At the time, his mother was only 28 years old and had to raise their children alone.
Reflecting on that period, Hilda admitted that life was incredibly difficult, but she remained grateful for the strength that carried her through. She recalled how her husband came from a lineage of struggle and resilience, as he was the son of Senior Chief Koinange’s third wife. Like many members of the family, he was jailed by the colonial government.
She shared that her husband had been detained for seven years, along with all of his mother’s children, including a well-known politician, who was also imprisoned. One of her sisters-in-law, Lilian, tragically lost her life while in Kamiti Prison. Hilda’s mother-in-law, Joyce Kagendo Koinange, was also detained for seven years.
Despite these hardships, she emphasized that the family persevered through faith and determination. Their suffering was immense, but they took solace in the fact that they had fought for a better future.
Many who watched the video expressed admiration for the sacrifices made by the family. Some viewers remarked on the importance of preserving such historical narratives, emphasizing that the struggles of the past played a significant role in shaping the present. Others reflected on how stories like Hilda’s provide a deeper understanding of the sacrifices endured by past generations.
Over the years, Jeff Koinange has continued to honor his mother. In 2022, on the anniversary of his father’s passing, he shared a heartfelt tribute to her. Marking 56 years of widowhood, he expressed gratitude for the way she raised them and praised her unwavering strength. His message also included appreciation for the divine grace that had kept her going through the years.
Through sharing their family’s journey, Jeff has helped bring attention to a part of history that might otherwise have remained untold. His mother’s resilience serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength and determination required to overcome hardship.
