Joy as Malindi man meets his Meru father 35 years down the line

A man from Malindi, Kilifi County, was welcomed like a King as tears of joy rolled down his cheeks after uniting with his biological father he longed to see since he was born 35 years ago.

Mr Michael Nguma,35, and a father of three(3) was over the moon as he was welcomed to his biological father’s home at Mpuri village in North Imenti, Meru County.

Mr Nguma could not hide his joy as he cried for an hour while embracing and hugging his father in Meru town before they proceeded home where prayers, blessings, and introduction to his clan and other family members was done.

His father, a Mr Kirimi is a retired surveyor who had a chance to ‘survey a lady’, but he told AVDelta News that he never thought he impregnated her because they had no chance to meet with her after a short stint relationship.

It happened when Mr Kirimi had been posted in Malindi as a land surveyor.

“This is a miracle. I was very young by then and as someone out of curiosity and peer pressure from within, I had a short relationship with his mother, but I never knew she got pregnant. I was called by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who informed me that there was someone claiming I am his father,” Mr Kirimi said.

The boy who had imagined his father still lived had now grown to be an energetic adult man.

At the age of 18 is when Mr Nguma's instincts developed and he always disturbed his mother to disclose to him who his real father was.

The record books at the Government offices helped Mr Nguma trace his ancestral routes.

He traveled more than 700 kilometres to fulfill his desires.

At the compound, a covenant was also entered by planting a memorial fruit tree to symbolize peace and prosperity.

“I started gathering my intelligence to remember how would that be. I even invited clan elders and discussed the matter. I agreed to interact with my son on social media and my wife was completely convinced this is my son. We then planned he visits his other family,” Mr Kirimi said.

His wife, Mr Doreen Kirimi, said she was the most happy woman to receive her stepson.

“This is history. I called neighbours here to witness the prodigal son come back home. As you can see, this is a big feast as we welcomed our Angel. He now becomes my firstborn and Mica the second son. I think the Holy Spirit was almost guiding me to name my son similar name with my other son Michael. Michael, you are very welcome at home. Don’t knock or call us to say you are coming home. All gates and doors are open for you. I now have four(4) grandsons,” Ms Kirimi said.

As prayers ended and the cake-cutting session arrived, emotions ran deep in both families.

Women who attended also cried tears of joy.

Mr Zakayo Muriira, an elderly relative, took the podium with unbothered and incredible praises and instilled confidence in Mr Nguma, an accounting manager at one of the big hotels in Malindi.

The soft-spoken Mzee Muriira emphasised on how good it is for a son to be home.

“We would never know we have a great son. You were lost, you are now at home, welcome. Don’t hesitate to come to Meru frequently. You are no longer a stranger. Every child born is a blessing. Truly He is God of wonders. Mr Kirimi is now a father of four(4). We are happy and thank God for your desire and a heart of Godliness to come back home. Feel at home,” Mzee Muriira said.

Mr Nguma’s wife, Ms Bahati Kharisa, said she was impressed to meet her in-laws in Meru all the way from Kilifi County.

“I am overjoyed to meet my father-in-law for the first time. We have been desiring to meet this family all our lives. Indeed I am very happy for the warm reception and hospitality. I feel at home,” Ms Kharisa said as her cheeks vibrated to show gratitude.

Mr Nguma, who throughout his life has known the Mijikenda norms, had a proverb for the new family, “CHAMWEAKIZA MAMWENYE", and interpreted it to mean Cha mwenyewe hakiwezi jificha kwa mwenyewe (it can't get lost).”

He added that what God stamped authority over shall never go astray against his plans.

“I am in a new place and your warm reception has energized my belief and faith that nothing is impossible. I have been praying to meet my father one-on-one, and I am extremely happy today. I promise to regularly visit Meru,” he said.

His real mother, with two(2) more children, but who separated from her husband, works as a revenue collector at the home county.

Mzee Kirimi,62, has advised men to stop being deadbeats but love their children as they are a blessing, not a curse.

"When I was called, I told myself, I am ready to meet him first and truly this is my blood. I advise men not to reject children as they are innocent. One should not have a negative attitude. Everything happens by God's plan. To our young girls, never hide what came as a surprise because you may hide blessings. If it is not for his interests, I would never know I have a son somewhere else," he said.

He said if it is not due to the assistance of the new technology used by police in the modern day, it would be hard for his son to trace him.

"Police officers visibly used their gadgets to locate me. I am now a father to Michael, Mica Murithi, Joy Kendi, and Karen Makena," Mzee Kirimi said.