The Wajir High School Alumni hosted a heartfelt thanksgiving event to honor their former principal, John Ndirangu, celebrating his transformative leadership during his tenure from 1974 to 1977.
The gathering, filled with nostalgia and gratitude, highlighted the profound impact Ndirangu had on the school and the lives of countless students who have since risen to prominence as politicians, doctors, engineers, academics, and global leaders.
In a moving tribute speech delivered by a representative of the alumni association, Ndirangu was lauded for transforming Wajir High School, located in Kenya’s semi-arid northeastern region, into a beacon of academic and cultural excellence.
As a First-Class Honors graduate in Literature from Nairobi University, Ndirangu brought intellectual rigour and scholarly depth to the institution.
Under his guidance, Literature became a cornerstone of the school’s curriculum, with students achieving top scores in national examinations, a rare feat for the region at the time.
He fostered a culture of reading, discourse, and analytical thinking, bringing to life the works of literary giants such as Chinua Achebe, Shakespeare, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, Wole Soyinka, and Nuruddin Farah.
Beyond academics, Ndirangu championed holistic education, emphasizing character, discipline, leadership, and integrity.
He introduced structure to the school’s administration, boosted teacher morale, and empowered educators to excel.
His influence extended to instilling values of punctuality, neatness, and service, shaping students into principled individuals.
The alumni credited their success to the strong foundation Ndirangu laid, noting that his vision proved excellence is not bound by geography but is a product of effort and belief.
The event also brought fond memories to the forefront, with alumni recalling Ndirangu’s introduction of “Githeri” to the school menu.
Initially met with resistance, the dish became a beloved staple, symbolizing his ability to transform challenges into opportunities.
The alumni described Ndirangu as a leader who treated every student as a scholar, every teacher as a colleague, and every obstacle as a chance for growth, all while leading with dignity and humility.
The thanksgiving event served not only as a celebration of Ndirangu’s contributions but also as a reminder of the enduring power of education to transform lives and communities.