Freedom fighter who was ready to donate kidney for Bishop Kirima

When Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima was afflicted by myriad health complications as a result of his failing kidney, many from his congregation were devastated.

They offered prayers and fasting to ease his pain. But one man already in his 80s was ready to go even further by jeopardising his life to save his ailing spiritual leader.

Everyone who heard of it was shocked that the man, Joseph Kimemia, had volunteered to donate a kidney to the archbishop despite his age.

His son, Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia, recalls: "My father argued that the archbishop had a wider reach and added value to more people than he did and could not, therefore, understand why he should not help the servant of God. He was examined in Nairobi and found fit to donate the kidney but the archbishop's brother was found to be more compatible."

Speaking at his father's funeral held in Mirangi-ini Church on October 4, Mr Kimemia described the old man as a God-fearing person who was always there for his county and family.

The older Kimemia, who died at the Nairobi Hospital last month, was born in 1921 in Nguanani, Lari, and will also be remembered for his role in promoting education among other development activities.

Conserving forests

He left Lari after Kenya became independent and moved to Nyandarua, to a little-known village called Mirangine that was part of the bigger Ndundori Forest then full of indigenous trees.

Kimemia joined hands with friends to form the Subukia, Lari Wendani Co-operative Society.

The society grew in strength and played a key role in purchasing land for its members not only in the area but in other parts of the country.

But this achievement is not what made Kimemia famous - his efforts to conserve the environment brought him fame that continues to date.

He used the land he bought to conserve thousands of indigenous trees, which are still there today and which continue to attract the attention of conservationists including Egerton University's Ecology department.

In recognition of his exemplary work to conserve forests, Kimemia was awarded a Head of State Commendation by former President Mwai Kibaki.

"This was one of the happiest moments for my father. At last, his achievements had been recognised by the Government and he vowed to continue conserving trees," Kimemia said.

The honour encompassed the older Kimemia's conservation efforts as well as his contributions to peace.

In 2008, at the height of the post-election violence, thousands of youths gathered at Mirangine trading centre armed with bows and arrows seeking to avenge the alleged attacks against their kinsmen in the Rift Valley region.

Freedom fighter

It took the efforts of Kimemia and former Ol Kalou MP Erastus Mureithi to convince the young people not to retaliate.

"There was a lot of tension as the youths were determined to attack their perceived enemies in Rift Valley. As the area MP at the time, I did not know where to start, but Kimemia advised me on the best approach to take as I talked to the youths. We were able to convince them not to take matters into their own hands and they finally went back home peacefully," recalls Mr Mureithi.

He described Kimemia as a wise, focused gentleman.

The old man will also be remembered for his contribution to the fight for independence, which endeared him to the country's top leaders.

He was detained in Githunguri in 1952 after the colonialists identified him as one of the independence struggle leaders.

The charges against him were based on the fact that he was "well educated and exposed" but they were dropped for lack of evidence.

Kimemia dabbled in local politics as a nominated councillor and is commended for having been involved in various development projects in Mirangine district.

Most notable is the construction of St Lwanga Catholic Church where he served for several years as chairman.

Church man

"As chairman, he insisted on building a big church to take care of the future. He envisioned the church would be an outstanding landmark and would serve adequately when the parish grew to become a diocese," read part of his eulogy.

Kimemia contributed every piece of wood used to build the church and also donated tiles and other equipment.

According to relatives, he stopped at nothing when it came to God and His servants.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who attended the funeral, said Kenya had lost a great man who always stood for the right of his people as well as the peace of the country.

Kimemia was married to Rahab Wambui, Maria Nunga and Margaret Nyambura, and had 24 children.