MY SAMETA HIGH SCHOOL COLLEAGUES I SALUTE YOU

Few days ago we met with Joshua Keng'werere, in the streets of Nairobi, since we did our KCSE examination."I'm nowadays teaching at the Kisumu polytechnic," he told me, as he stood by his father - whose difference is age. We reminded one another, our name and exchanged contacts. This opened the window of our communication.


After confirming our friendship in facebook we kicked the ball. In his second response he thus wrote: "I am also happy to have met u in this network.U were a role model 4 us mostly in spiritual matters and academic matters esp. maths."


My response went as follows: It is so humbling that I was your role model. If you can remember I didn't have an opportunity to attend Form Three from lack of school fees. I literally dropped out of school for three years. God graciously worked His way...through Mr. John Omare, our Mathematical teacher, our principal, the late Mr. Ibrahim Oichoi, and Mr Nyaundi, our Kiswahili teacher; as I claimed God's promise in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."


The late Ochoi, lubricated my smooth stay in class, notwithstanding having hanging fees balance. I was able to clear the fee balance during my university long - holidays, as the school gave me an opportunity to service laboratory equipments and devices, electrical and electronics. This was during Nyang'ancha's tenure as a principal.


I owe you all, my dear brothers a big thank you. You embraced me as your dear brother with love and understanding. You were ready to offer me your notes for revision. You were able to orient me to English and Kiswahi literature since I came in touch with the set books while in Form Four.


Through you I was able to be the Iteni Mathematics contest winner, two (three) time consecrative Gucha District Joint test winer and the district overall best Mathematics candidate in our KCSE exam. Congratulations wherever you are.


Kennedy Mogire, Riana hall of residence captain, now a pastor cum contractor, lubricated my transfer from Mogonga, where, alongside Duke Okiga, now a civil engineer, Obwogo Moindi, now a clinical officer, I had humble times to catch up with the rest of the syllabus and prepare for the national exams.


I salute our Seventh - Day Adventist group patrons and counselors. Mr. Tinega, Mr. Ogechi, Mrs Rose Raini, Mrs. Alice Okemwa, Mr. Odongo, Dr Okemwa, PhD, presently a mechanical engineering lecturer at Moi University - my dear teachers you were a great inspiration, you stood by us; you made our choice noble. As it at times looked like foolish to miss Saturday classes, to some of our teachers and Sametan community as its a PAG sponsored school. When I look back, I'm able to say, "that was one of the greatest choice I made in my life. To be counted by the LORD as we rested in His sabbath." Indeed, I have seen it affirmed everyday , everywhere in my life: He who honors God, God honors him.The Bible says in 1 Samuel 2:30: "I will honor those who honor me,and I will treat with contempt those who despise me." May the face of God keep on shinning upon you, your family, always.


I was filled with joy when we met with Eliudi Okero, my 1995, group, during a music sabbath at Nairobi Central Church. After his graduation with BA Economics from the University of Nairobi, he joined the Kenya Prisons - where they are committed to serve the Lord through music, giving hope to the prisoners.


At the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, we met with Caleb Oribo,a Sametan of 90s who was devoted to his studies and fully committed to out reach mission - a Baraton group dedicated to giving good news to secondary school students. After his BSC in Automotive and Electronics Technology (where we shared so many courses/units) he proceeded to Moi University for his masters programme,in techenical education department, electronics option, after undertaking his post graduate diploma in education from Maseno University. He is now a lecturer with the Kenya National Youth Services (NYS).


Dr. Herbert Omari, a Geography lecture and Dr. Obuchi Moseti, a Kiswahi lecture were part of the Sametan old boys I met at Baraton. Our meetings with Omari, Obuchi, and Oribo were often punctuated with candid reflection on the contribution of the old boys to the school - towards the realizations of improved performance and community service.


Enock Okiambe,a tutor at Gusii Institute of Science and Technology, who graduated from Kenyatta University with Bed in Mathematics and Physics before securing a MSC in Physics from the same university, and Richard Orieck, a senior technologist at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology cum innovator, usually brings home the grand times of Sameta - when the school was known for it academic performance."It was possible then, it is possible now," they aspire.


So, wherever you are as a Sametan, we owe the school a lot and the society, let's stand up and be counted.


As I'm writing, Siruieri Ongera, a journalist, based at Mombasa, busts in my mind. Yes, I'm writing from the University of Nairobi, School of Engineering, Fabrication Laboratory,where engineering students are busy engaged with computers, designing, programming, researching, reading, blogging, chatting; this is where some Sametan have gone through, Siriba, who graduated with top honors in Survey, took is masters here, become a part time lecture; he is now taking his PhD Programme in Italy.


Dennis Okumu, my desk mate, whom we have never met since 1997. All my Form Four (4B) colleagues, like Joshua who was handy with his Geography notes and Magutu, our class monitor, Juma... Obae, whom we met, lastly when he was at Kenyatta University...Yes, the 4R and 4G, 1997, group I have you in my heart, in my prayer: Wherever you are, I know, albeit not able to meet with most of you , so far, you are going for great exploits. May God keep on enlarging your territory; May you keep on fighting the good fight. As we prepare to be success cases in this life, we shouldn't forget to give Jesus a chance in our hearts, lives. The coming of our Lord and savior - is our ultimate hope for our existence. Bye gents, let us be prepared - whether we are going to meet here on earth or not, in heaven we shall dwell - together - forever. Amen.